Recently a local homeowner was left with a "rainforest" in his living room, all from having his roof replaced. The homeowner needed a kiddie pool to catch the falling ceiling and rain water. According to News 2, the company that had replaced the homeowner's roof had false email and physical addresses and would not return phone calls.
Local roofer, Chris Harper says having that license means the contractor passed a background, a credit check, and has solid references. He also said having a physical address and website helps legitimize companies on some level.

Harper says before hiring a contractor, ask these questions:

• What materials will they use?
• What sort of insurance coverage do they offer?
• How does the company handle gutters and other components of the roof?
• What wind speed can the roof withstand?

Another local contractor recommends that homeowners secure three separate quotes and compare their quotes. Homeowners need to educate themselves on the scope of their roofing work.

According the angieslist.com, these are Six Tips For Choosing A Roofing Contractor:​

1. INSURANCE: Checking to see that your contractor has valid worker's compensation and liability insurance is a must. Don't take their word for it; ask to see their certificates or even call the insurance carrier to confirm.
2. LOCAL COMPANY: Choose a company that is local, and has an established business address. A five-year warranty on a roof is worthless if the company moves or vanishes. Check the company's references and reputation in the community.
3. PRICING: Using the lowest price quoted as your sole criteria can be a mistake. In many cases, you get what you pay for, and homeowners may end up spending more money to repair problems which might have been covered under a reputable company's workmanship guarantee. Competent roofing contractors with skilled workers and proper insurance have to maintain pricing to cover this overhead.
4. STORM CHASERS: Avoid storm chasers. These "we're in your neighborhood" canvassing and selling roofers may try to convince you that you have storm damage and want a signed letter of intent. Always wait to see the contracts and look for a referral from a satisfied client in the area. Check to see if they are operating under the proper local licensing and and permitting laws.
5. DETAILS IN WRITING: In the case of having a roof replaced, the devil is in the details. You are the homeowner and should maintain control. Before paying, make sure you are satisfied with the completed work. The terms of payment should have been set prior to the start of work and agreed upon by both parties. This should include job duration, size of crew, correct materials, properly vented attic space, and clean up.
6. COMMUNICATION: A reputable roofing contractor will return calls in a timely manner, will send documentation when asked, and will follow through on details. If this is not happening, contact the company representative with your concerns. Don't be afraid to walk away if your concerns are not addressed in a satisfactory manner.

Finding the best roofing contractor can be challenging and time-consuming. However, you will save time, money, and headaches by taking the time to follow these steps. You can then feel confident in your decision. For more information about this topic, check out this recent interview> with Chris Harper from Harper Roofing and hear his tips on how to find a reliable contractor. 

Harper Roofing www.harperroofingcharleston.com/ is a local company, owned by Charleston native, Chris Harper. They offer a free roof inspection and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 5 star rating on Houzz. They have been called the "best roofing company in Charleston." Check out their testimonials> from past customers online.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need.
We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to, Harper Roofing Charleston, as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/choosing-the-right-roofing-contractor. Email us with any questions.

Winter is almost here and it is important that you prepare your roof for the possibility of severe weather. By preparing your roof for winter, you will prevent the need for more extensive roof repair in the future. These are a few basic maintenance steps that should be followed to get your roof ready for winter.

**Before you start, consider that climbing on a roof can be dangerous. Roofing professionals are specifically trained to navigate roofs, and they have the equipment and expertise to see a potential problem before it escalates into a major issue. If you do decide to perform these maintenance steps, be sure to follow all the necessary safety rules for your protection. There are websites such as www.gaf.com/roofing/residential/diy/learn_roofing_safety, which lists ways to be safe while working on your roof.

1. CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Leaves and other debris will collect in your gutters and downspouts and can prevent rain water from being removed from your roof. This water will overflow and damage your roof, trim and siding. Cleaning out your gutters will also prevent the weight of this debris from causing the gutters pull away from the anchors which secure them to the house. Periodically checking your gutters and then doing a final cleaning once the trees are bare, will keep your gutters clear. Consider installing screens or gutter guards to prevent leaves from collecting in your gutters.

2. CLEAN YOUR ROOF
It is important to remove leaves, pine needles, dirt and any other debris from your roof's surface to prevent moisture and rot which will break down your roofing material. The best way to clean debris off of your roof is by hand using a broom or soft brush. Remember that applying too much pressure will remove roof granules which can reduce your roof's lifespan. Another method to remove debris is with a blower. Pay special attention to the valleys which can collect water.
Using a pressure washer to clean your roof is definitely not recommended. Pressure washing a roof can blow off granules or even take off shingles. These granules protect the asphalt in the shingle from the UV rays of the sun. Shingles have sealing strips on their backs and a pressure washer can sever the strip allowing water to get under the shingle. In fact, if you use a pressure washer to clean your roof, you may no longer qualify for your roof's warranty.
Algae, moss, or mold can be especially damaging to your roof's lifespan. Cleaning and treating these may require a professional to prevent damage to your shingles and prevent further growth. There are DIY cleaners on the market, however, to prevent damage to your shingles, always try the cleaner on a sample shingle.

3. CHECK YOUR CLEAN ROOF FOR DAMAGES
After your roof has been cleaned, a visual examination of the surface is needed. Check for missing, cracked, curled, or frayed shingles. This would be the time to repair or replace shingles. Also examine the flashing around the vents, chimneys, skylights or other protuberances because this is where water tends to collect.

4. CHECK YOUR ATTIC'S INSULATION AND VENTILATION
Your attic's insulation and ventilation are extremely important to the health and lifespan of your roof. Your energy bills are also impacted by having the right amount of insulation and ventilation in your attic. When sunlight hits your roof, it heats the air in your attic. Proper ventilation prevents the hot air from condensing, which causes moisture and mold from rotting your roof's supports. Additionally, the correct amount of insulation will prevent the hot air from seeping into your living space, causing higher energy costs.

In conclusion, preparing your roof for winter makes perfect sense. Not only will you have the peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible to prevent damage to your roof, you will also know that there are no potential repairs waiting in the wings.

Harper Roofing offers a professional roof inspection and will give you an honest assessment free of charge. Check out our A+ rating with the Better Business bureau and our 5 star rating on Houzz.

If you found this information helpful click "Like" or "Share" below and post this to your social media pages. Your "Likes" and "Shares" help others like you find the information they need. 

We are happy for you to re-publish this article on your website or in your company newsletter with credit to Harper Roofing as the author and a link to our website http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/. The URL for this article is http://www.harperroofingcharleston.com/blog/preparing-your-roof-for-winter. Email us with any questions.