Overland Park Roofing Blog

Are you in the market for a new roof? If so, read on to learn about the different roof types and how to choose one.

The right roof provides function and style for your home. It enhances character while protecting your property from the elements.

A new roof can shelter you for 20 to 50 years or longer. Yet, weather conditions can significantly impact the life of your roof. So, which roof replacement option is going to be the best investment?

Read on for the different roof types and which one is best for your home.  Read More

When it comes to the roof over your head how much do you really know about maintenance and repair? We’re guessing not much.

The reality is that the more you know about roofing repair and what it entails, the better informed you are to make wise decisions.

Choosing the right roofing company for your needs can be a difficult task if you just don’t know what to look for. What kind of certifications are necessary, training, experience and services? In this blog, we outline the most important factors to look when hiring a roofing contractor, whether it’s for roofing repair or replacement.

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Company

In many regions across the U.S. roofing is an unregulated industry. This means that finding a certified and reliable roofing contractor can be frustrating.

Even if a roofing contractor is certified, their workmanship and installation could be of poor quality. And don’t forget you’ll also need to secure a contractor who can honor their warranty in years to come! In order to choose the best roofing company for your home, here are a few important factors to check off your list:

1. Look for Relevant Contact Information

First thing’s first, is the roofing company you’re considering easy to find on the internet? Does their name come up relatively quickly with a Google search? If not, this could be cause for concern as they may not have a website, or it could be severely out-dated and the business unpopular.

You want to work with a roofing contractor who keeps up with the times. If their website is that outdated, are their business practices that outdated too? Make sure the contractor has a permanent place of business, a valid and listed business address, and a tax identification number.

2. Ask for Proof of Insurance

There’s no need to shy away from asking a roofing contractor for their proof of insurance. This includes a copy of their liability coverage and worker’s compensation certificates.

Double check that the insurance coverage is completely valid for the duration of your roofing project. You don’t want to be dragged into a lawsuit with an uninsured contractor because, yes, roofing accidents do happen! If a contractor is uninsured, you could very well be held liable for any kind of accident that occurs on your property.

3. Check for Business Licensing or Bonding

Some states, including Kansas & Missouri, have very specific roofing contractor licensing requirements, so it’s up to you to ensure they are adequately licensed.

Keep in mind that most legitimate, well-experienced contractors will happily present their business license without having to be asked. When in doubt, your state’s Department of Professional Regulation and Licensing Board will have this information on hand!

4. Make Sure They are Financially Stable

Will your contractor be able to foot the bill for adequate materials needed for your roofing project, before you’ve paid in full?

The bottom line is that a successful roofing company should be able to afford this, without needing your financial help. A full, up-front payment for your project is not the industry norm in Kansas City. Generally, a deposit or down-payment will be requested, but anything more than this should be treated as suspicious.

5. Look for a Proven Track Record

A roofing company should be happy and willing to offer up their client references and a list of previous projects they’ve worked on. At The Roofing Man we are happy to point out our 5-star reviews on Google and GAF.

If you have your doubts, ask for relevant contact information and call previous clients to discuss their project and levels of satisfaction.

6. Ask for a Detailed Project Proposal

No, this is not asking too much! Sit down with your roofing contractor and ask them to walk you through the project proposal and examine all specifications. Our owner, Chris Hosch is always happy to take as much time with you as you need to fully understand your project proposal.

Remember to ask about approximate dates for starting and completing the project. What will their plan-of-action be if they run off schedule? Clear up any questions or concerns you have about payment procedures.

7. Look for a List of Approvals

Many roofing systems require specialized application and expertise to achieve long-lasting, reliable roofing quality.

Make sure you roofing contractor has all the pre-approved training needed for these specific applications. You should also look for a list of roofing manufacturers who have approved the business as a licensed applicator, such as GAF or CertainTeed.

8. Inquire About Quality Control Procedures

Do a little homework on who will be in charge during your project and how they supervise the work conducted on your home.

Don’t shy away from asking about quality control protocol and how consistency is achieved throughout each project. Make sure to request the name of the person in charge as well as their contact number, if possible. If you ever need to contact us, please call or text Chris at (913) 381-2940.

9. Check up on Their Worker Safety Standards

It’s important to go with a company who is committed to putting both their clients and employees first. Worker safety and education should be a business priority for any well-to-do contractor.

Ask your roofing contractor what kind of safety training is provided for their workers as well as the safety protocol used onsite.

After all, the best roofing contractor is only as good its workers!

10. Beware of the Lowest Price Bid

Finally, it’s in your own best interest to maintain a healthy skepticism when it comes to contractors who offer the lowest bid on a project.

The general rule-of-thumb? If it seems too good to be true, it generally is! There is a reason why contractors offer a low price, and that is generally due to sub-standard work and the quality of materials.

Remember that price should not be your only deciding factor when choosing a roofing company. Consider professionalism, quality of work and experience too!

The Roofing Man Has Your Next Project Covered

Need a top-rated roofing company for your next inspection, maintenance project or repair? The Roofing Man, based in Gardner, KS, is your answer.

Operating in and around the Kansas Metropolitan area, we are a locally owned and operated roofing business with years of reputable experience.

Reach out today for your next residential roofing project, we’ve got you covered no matter the weather!

When’s the Best Time of Year to Replace Your Roof? Yes, you can replace your roof in the winter in Kansas City!

On average, asphalt shingle roofs can last 20 years, but inclement weather like heavy rains, hail, or snow can shorten their life expectancy. Your roof is a key component of your home and its viability is not only important for your comfort but your peace of mind. So, whether it’s been 20 years of sunshine or Mother Nature has been unforgiving, roof replacement can be stressful all the same.

There are many questions that come with replacing a roof, and among them is, what time of year should you replace your roof? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Winter is a Good Option

Obviously, weather plays a huge role when it comes time for a new roof and winter months can be some of the harshest when it comes to working conditions.

It is true that extensive snow and ice can make even simple repair difficult and dangerous. A complete roof replacement in these conditions isn’t very practical.

However, we are lucky in Kansas City in that we often have mild winter weather. For instance, for the next few weeks of December 2018 we have lovely sunny days forecast, with high temperatures in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, which is fine weather for a roof replacement. Kansas City averages highs in the 40s even in January and February, with stretches of dry weather that make it quick and easy to replace your roof.

Of course, you also don’t want to prolong your decision until heavy snows of winter. It is best to get repairs and replacements done beforehand, especially if your roof is older as the added weight to your roof puts it at a higher risk of collapsing.

While there can be weather-based obstacles to roof replacement in winter, we have years of experience in best practices to ensure that your new roof will be properly installed!

There are also benefits to a winter installation – for instance, it is easier for us to protect you landscaping if it is dormant rather than in full bloom. You can also expect faster service, as roofers typically aren’t as busy in Kansas City in the winter months.

Spring and Summer are Most Popular

Spring and Summer months are also a good time for roofing repairs or replacements. Rising temperatures are a benefit, although we will plan accordingly to work around springtime rain. Additionally, spring and early summer can be excellent times to replace a roof as these are typically slower months for roofing companies.

However, there is a downside to scheduling services during the latter half of summer.  As summer prolongs, not only does business see an uptick, but so do temperatures, which can affect replacing your roof in a few ways. For instance, with increased business in the late months of summer, it’s possible that you might have to wait longer for a roofing contractor to make it out to your home.

Another consideration is the amount of time it might take to complete the job. Though we complete most jobs in two days or less, scorching temperatures make for difficult working conditions and can limit the number of hours that workers can spend on the job each day. This would result in the job taking longer than it would in cooler conditions. If you’ve already had to wait a fair amount of time for a company to come out to your home, further delays might be out of the question.

These are all things to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your roof in the spring or summer seasons.

Fall Is Ideal

This leads us to fall. These months are the most optimal time for roofing work. These months precede the frigid temperatures of winter and aren’t too hot either. This allows roofers to work longer and more efficiently, resulting in your roof getting done quicker.

Replacing your roof in the Fall provides the luxury of not worrying that your roof will last through another snow-filled Winter. In addition, a newer roof is more energy efficient, saving save you money on heating costs (and cooling costs in the Summer).

With all the benefits that come with scheduling a roof replacement in fall, it must be noted that this is the busiest season of the year for roofing companies and it is suggested that you plan ahead.The season is busy, but with proper planning, scheduling can be easy. You can get an idea of what your roof needs by contacting us for a free estimate.

Don’t Delay Roof Replacement 

The cost of roof replacement can be a scary thought for homeowners, and for good reason. There is no way around it; it is not a cheap investment. However, it is important. All too often people wait until that drip in the ceiling worsens or hold out and hope that their roof can hold out through just a few more months of snowstorms. This is a dangerous game that can result in secondary damage, which could have been avoided and ultimately cost less with a roof replacement.

Not only will there be extra costs from damage due to an emergency situation but putting yourself in that predicament will likely result in rushed decisions to get a roofer out to your home. This unfortunate situation could lead to settling for materials you don’t necessarily like and an overall lower-quality job done in a pinch.

If there is one take away from this, it is to prepare in advance. Give yourself time to identify your needs. Research which style roof you prefer, and which materials fit your budget before ultimately selecting a quality roofing contractor.

You can check out our blog for more useful information and help to decide what is right for you.

What is GAF Master Elite?

The Roofing Man is proud to one of the few GAF Master Elite™ certified roofing contractors in Kansas City. What does that mean?

To start, GAF is the leading roofing manufacturer in North America. GAF roofs protect more homes and businesses in the U.S. than any other manufacturer. Founded in 1886, GAF has over 3,200 employees and makes the #1 selling shingle in North America (Timberline® Lifetime Architectural Roofing Shingles). 1 in 4 residential roofs in the U.S. are by GAF.

The GAF Master Elite™ certification program provides ongoing training to roofing contractors in order to ensure that customers purchasing GAF products have a tool to help them choose a high-quality, dependable roofing contractor. To become factory certified as GAF Master Elite™ Contractor, roofers must show that they are properly licensed, adequately insured, have a proven reputation, and are committed to ongoing professional training.

What are the benefits you can expect from a certified roofing contractor?

For one, you can be assured that your roofer has been provided with extensive educational materials. You also have the assurance that your contractor can offer the GAF Weather Stopper^® 3-Part Roof Protection System. And, because of their certified status, roofs installed by Master Elite™ Contractors are eligible for specials.

Top 2% of Roofing Contractors

According the GAF website, less than 2% of all roofing contractors qualify as Master Elite. The Roofing Man is proud to be counted among that small percentage. We have 20+ years’ experience installing GAF roofing systems in Kansas City and understand the impact that quality installation can have on overall customer satisfaction with GAF’s comprehensive line of products.

5-Star Ratings – Our Verified Reviews Span 10+ Years

In addition to being certified, The Roofing Man also has an overall 5-Star rating nearly 100 verified roofing customers on the GAF website. GAF has verified these reviews so that you know they come from real homeowners in the Kansas City-area. Please check out our roofing reviews page. Our long track record means that our first review (on page 10) is from a customer in Gardner, KS on April 6, 2008, and our most recent is from Spring Hill, KS on July 2, 2018. Customers providing reviews were total roof replacement customers from Overland Park, Olathe, Paola, De Soto, Shawnee, Kansas City, and more area suburbs. We hope that our long history in Kansas City with a highly reputable manufacturing company and our review history prove that you can trust us to install your roof replacement to the highest standards.

What are Kansas City-area GAF Roofing Customers Saying?

Here is a sample of our GAF reviews:

“The Roofing Man incredible customer service” – V.D., Overland Park KS, Mar 16, 2018 (Verified Purchaser)

“Great Roofing Contractor” – C.A., Spring Hill, Jul 02, 2018 (Verified Purchaser)

“Knowledgeable and professional contractor” – C.E., Kansas City Jun 26, 2017 (Verified Purchaser)

“Experience really counts” – K.T., Shawnee Jul 14, 2017 (Verified Purchaser)

“very professional, they did what they say they would, prompt” – D.J., Overland Park May 07, 2014 (Verified Purchaser)

“are honest, helpful and do excellent work. I recommend The Roofing Man highly to everyone. I am very VERY proud of my roof and appreciated the way we were treated from start to finish of getting our new roof.” – D.T., Olathe May 07, 2013 (Verified Purchaser)

“stand behind their product, their workmanship and their commitment.” – K.K., Leawood Apr 17, 2012 (Verified Purchaser)

“met and exceeded my expectations” – A.M., peculiar Sep 10, 2009 (Verified Purchaser)

Thanks guys, we’re blushing!

Need a Residential Roof Replacement?

The Roofing Man offers free estimates and is happy to come out and take a look at your roof to assess any potential damage, leaks, or the need for repair or total roof replacement. Give our owner, Chris Hosch a call at 913-381-2940, or contact us via our website form.