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.

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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.

 A leaky roof is serious business because, if left unattended, it can cause major damage to your home. In addition, the sooner a leak is attended to, the less chance of more expensive repairs down the road. According to fixr.com, minor leaks can lead to damage such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, damaged insulation and ceilings. Some of the most common causes of a leaky roof are broken shingles, cracked vent booting or flashing, gutters that are clogged, condensation in the attic or a cracked chimney. Some leaks can be difficult to find. Hiring a professional to do a thorough roof inspection is important, especially after a severe weather event.

A roofing contractor usually charges around $3 per square foot for leak repair or $45 to $75 per hour. The labor hours range between 8 - 16, making the repair cost range from $360 to $1200. If your roof is steeper than average, repair costs can increase by 20% or more. This is also true if your roof has many architectural details to work around. You also may need to buy a permit from your county or homeowners association, without which you could be heavily fined. Permit fees average around $75.

REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT?
Replacing shingles can be a relatively easy and inexpensive job. However, even if you saved some spare shingles from a previous roof replacement, this patch job will probably not match the rest of the roof. This may be a relatively small consideration if your roof is not very old and will extend its life for ten or fifteen years unless you plan to sell your home. A prominent patch can be a negative selling point.

If the damage is confined to one side of the roof, a partial re-roofing can cost thousands of dollars less than an entire replacement. This can make the color differences less noticeable. Partial re-roofing can be more expensive on a cost per square than a total replacement and all layers will need to be removed. This can add to the cost and result in a lopsided effect due to the old roof being a couple of inches higher than the new side.

According to Angieslist.com, the determining factors on whether to fix or replace your roof are the following:

• ROOF AGE - Most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years, depending on whether you have one or more layers of shingles and the ventilation.
• SHINGLES CURLING /BUCKLING - Curling shingles that are losing granules indicate they need to be replaced. It could also mean the roof is defective.
• ROOF VALLEYS - Missing or damaged shingles in the roof valleys is a sign a roof replacement is needed.
• MISSING SHINGLES/ SHINGLE GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS - These are signs your roof is failing. Lost granules indicate shingles are at the end of their life cycle. Darker color on parts of the roof is also a sign granules are wearing away.
• ROOF BOARDS SHOWING DAYLIGHT - Daylight showing through the roof boards, a spongy feel when walking on the roof, or moisture in the insulation are all indications a new roof is needed.

Even if only part of your roof is showing damage or wear, it may be smart to consider roof replacement. The roofing contractor and crew will already be on-site with scaffolding, ladders, and other equipment. Replacing the entire roof with most likely be less expensive than doing one side now and the other in a few years.

According to bobvila.com, if you do decide to replace your roof, choosing to tear off the old roof or install the new roof over the existing one is another decision you will have to make. Installing the new roof over the existing one will save you a little money now but runs the risk of greater expenses in the future. The International Residential Code (R907.3) states that a new roof cannot be installed over two or more applications of any type of roof covering. Much of this has to do with the weight on the structure of your home. Covering a roof with 1,500 square feet of shingles is almost equal to the weight of a two-ton SUV. Removing the old shingles will allow you to inspect the roof deck and sheathing for damage, plus the shingles adhere better if fastened directly to the roof deck. This will also allow you to check for wood rot and the presence of inadequate sheathing fasteners. Additionally, starting with an undamaged roof deck allows you the option of adding an ice-and-water shield membrane along the eaves.

Having your roof inspected every one to two years is a good way to protect your roof from potential problems. Having your roof inspected after any severe weather event will also catch any damage before it becomes even more extensive.

Harper Roofing offers a free, no obligation roof inspection in the Charleston area. We will show up on time and give an honest assessment on the condition of your roof.

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/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-leaky-roof. Email us with any questions.

Roofing companies in the Charleston area fall into several categories. One category of roofing company is a construction or remodeling company that also does roofing. This type of company is great for those big disasters or remodeling jobs.  There are also vinyl siding or window firms that also offer roof repair and replacements. Lots of roofing companies are part of larger firms that have satellite offices, but there are some that are locally-owned and/or family operated. Deciding between the two is strictly up to you, neither is a bad choice. Checking out the companies online customer reviews is a great first step in deciding if that company is right for you.
Here are a few common questions you should ask yourself when searching for a roofing company:

1. What affiliations and/or accreditations should I look for?
2. Should I look for companies that offer free roof inspections or should a free quote or estimate be enough?
3. Should the roofing company be fully licensed, bonded and insured?
4. Should they offer a warranty on their work and products used?

In trying to answer the above questions, we Googled roofing companies in the Charleston area. These are some of the companies listed along with some basic information found about each.

• HARPER ROOFING - Harper Roofing is locally owned and operated by Charleston native, Chris Harper. We have been in business since 2009 and have a 5 star rating on Houzz. We are a preferred contractor with the Better Business Bureau carrying an A+ rating. We offer a free roof inspection and will work with your insurance company adjuster to make the process easy for you. Check out our customer reviews and blog. Give us a call for your free roof inspection at (843) 737-4745.
• Charleston Roofing and Exteriors, LLC - The company website shows their service area as Charleston, Summerville, Mt. Pleasant, Seabrook Island, Isle of Palms, Goose Creek, West Ashley and North Charleston. They offer roofing and remodeling services. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and are a Top Rated Charleston Business.
• Sands Roofing & Construction - This company is located in Lexington, SC. They state they are a full-service restoration company with over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. They are licensed, bonded and insured.
• Keating Roofing & Sheetmetal - They are a full-service residential and commercial roofing company located in Charleston. They state they are locally operated and family owned since 1991. Their services include in-house sheet meal fabrication and full-service roofing. They state that " bid, payment and performance bonds available."
• Donnie Long Roofing & Construction - This is a Charleston based residential roofing and construction contractor specializing in all facets of home improvement. With 15 years in business, they offer a homeowner testimonial on their website and offer a free in-home estimate.
• Coastal Roofing Company, Inc. - This company holds an unlimited general contractors license in South Carolina and Florida. They provide payment and performance bonds and are insured. They are a member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Contractor's Association, and the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (CRSMCA). Their website shows two former customers' testimonials.
• DLV Roofing has been in the roofing industry for the last 25 years with locations in Charleston and Asheville, NC. They are licensed and insured with affiliations to Charleston Home Builders Association and NAHB. They are featured on jouzz and Angie's List.
• Contract Exteriors serves the greater Carolina Coastline, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Wilmington, Hilton Head and Bluffton. Their services include roofing, siding, windows, and decks. They offer a free estimate and show accreditations from Better Business Bureau, James Hardie Elite Preferred Installer, GAF Mater Elite and Certain Teed Select Shingle Master.
• Williford Roofing and Construction - This company serves the Charleston area and offers a 15 year guarantee against all defects in workmanship. Their website states their owner has over 50 years of combined industry experience. They offer a free, no obligation estimate and show accreditations from Better Business Bureau and CertainTeed.
• Baker Roofing Company - This company's website states that they have been providing businesses all across the Southeast with a variety of roofing services as well as coating options since 1915. They state they are one of the Nation's largest and most respected roofing contractors with 18 offices in six states across the southeast.

The information above is just some basic information about some of the roofing contractors in the Charleston area. Of course we would like you to choose Harper Roofing in your search. We greatly appreciate your business and would love to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at (843) 737-4745 and we can assist you with finding out more information and click here> to fill out our form to get a FREE roof inspection! 

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