Orange County

How to Find the Best Roof Repair Company for Your Home

Is your home in desperate need of a roof repair? We're telling you how to find the right roof repair company to complete the job. Click here for more.

Keyword(s): Roof Repair Company

Let's face it: as a homeowner, one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of your house is the roof.

A roof not only keeps you dry and warm, but it's a key visual aspect of your house, too. A good roof can also add to your home's resale value.

The kicker? In addition to being a crucial part of your home, a roof is also one of the most expensive to maintain or replace. This means that a good roof repair company is crucial - and plenty of people take the time to do their due diligence. You should definitely be one of them!

Here, we tell you how to start your search for a good roof repair company, and what questions to ask once you've narrowed down the list.

Finding A Roof Repair Company: Starting the Search

Google "roofing contractors in your area", and the search results are probably overwhelming. So, where to start?

Ask neighbors or friends for referrals. If you're new to the area, another option is checking Angie's List. Once you have a few names, run the company against the BBB and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Check out the company's website, too: it should be professional-looking and, hopefully, have some firsthand reviews.

Another option? This may seem obvious, but hop in the car and take a drive to look at roofs! What style of shingles do you like, and what's popular in your area: asphalt? wood? tile?

If you think the workmanship of a roof is particularly outstanding, consider knocking on the door and asking about the contractor. The homeowner will be flattered!

And don't forget to stay local: local roof repair companies will be up-to-date on the city's laws and requirements for pulling permits. In some areas, a permit is only required if you're changing the home's roofline; in other areas, it's required even for moderate repairs to the roof's material.

Lastly, roof repairs often require repair or replacement of gutters, too. If you think this may apply to you, ensure you work with a company who can handle gutters.

You've Narrowed It Down: What To Look For Now

Licensed & Insured

Ensure your roof repair company is fully licensed and insured (workman's compensation and liability.) This includes all employees as well as any subcontractors. Ask to see the insurance certificate so you can validate.

In the event that a roofing contractor is injured on your property, you need to ensure that the roofing company has their own insurance to cover associated costs - otherwise, you can quickly find yourself dishing out the dollars.

Warranties

Any good roof repair company should offer a warranty (though it will vary by shingle type and location.) This shows that not only does the contractor believe in the durability of his own work, but the warranty also protects you in the event that your roof starts leaking prematurely or wasn't properly installed.

Cost & Payment

Get at least three bids for your roof repair or replacement. And remember: roofs are not cheap. If the cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, make sure the contractor does not require 100% payment upfront: bad contractors have been known to take the money and run, so the final payment shouldn't be made until after the work is complete. And get everything in writing! Cost, payment terms, etc.

Go With Your Gut!

A good contractor won't leave you feeling pressured to make a quick decision, and they won't charge you for a bid/quote. If you get a bad vibe when you meet a contractor, or if you find that they aren't returning your calls in a timely manner, move on to the next one.

Questions to Ask a Roof Repair Company

Once you've chosen a roof repair company, there are a few questions you'll want to ask to ensure that you don't encounter any hidden surprises:

• When can you make the repairs? Ask this one upfront: it would be disappointing to select a great contractor, only to realize they can't work on your house for three or four months.

• How long will the repairs take? Some smaller homes may take only a day or two, but larger homes can take well over a week. Also, you may choose to stay with friends or family during this time: roofing repairs can be loud, and scary for pets or kids.

• What kind of mess will you make? Remember, the roof repair company may have to tear off your old roof and the protective materials underneath. This means that your yard and driveway may be unsafe and unusable for a period of time. Things like nails and other debris will be present. Ensure you're comfortable with the contractor's clean-up plans.

Don't Forget About Insurance!

Prior to agreeing to any repairs with your chosen roof repair company, it's recommended that you contact your insurance company if you plan on making a claim. The insurance company may request information from the contractor (e.g. insurance certificate or photos.)

Working with your insurance company early can also prevent headaches (and money!) down the road. Imagine if you spent several thousand dollars on a new roof repair, only to learn that your insurance company won't cover the claim because you didn't follow protocol. Most insurance companies have some limitations to roof repair claims, so ensure you understand them before you sign on the dotted line.

Start Your Search Today!

Now that you know the ins and outs of finding a great roof repair company, start asking friends or neighbors for a few recommendations. Do your homework and ensure you're considering only professional, licensed roofers.

Although it's an expensive investment, a good roof can last thirty or more years. This is not the time for you to cut corners or procrastinate. In fact, waiting too long to replace a leaky or damaged roof can cost you thousands more in the long haul.

Here at Luke Roofing, we can promise you quality workmanship at an affordable price. Contact us today for your roofing repair needs!

Your roof is in desperate need of a makeover. But the last thing you want is a botched job. We're sharing how to choose the best orange county roofing company!

Have you taken a good look at your roof lately?

If your shingles are curling, cracked, or missing, that means it's time for a new roof.

It's not a home repair you should put off too long. Though it is understandable if you've been procrastinating. 

Finding a great roofing company can be a little daunting! Especially if you don't know what to look for or the right questions to ask. 

Your roof is in desperate need of a makeover. But the last thing you want is a botched job. We're sharing how to choose the best Orange County roofing company!

Your Orange County roofing contractor must have several licenses and types of insurance in order to work legally in California. Among other things, they’ll need a local license and workmen’s compensation insurance.

One type of insurance that is sometimes optional for legal work is liability insurance. However, you’ll definitely want to ensure that your roofer has good liability insurance. This is the type of insurance that actually protects you, the homeowner, in case of a disaster.

What liability insurance covers

A roofing contractor’s liability insurance covers incidents that are caused by the contractor or by the work that goes on in your home. Sometimes these incidents are due to negligence, but this is rarely the case. In fact, many liability insurance claims come about by complete accident.

There’s no doubt about it, laying a new shingle roof over an old roof is a cheaper option. It requires much less labor from your Orange County roofing contractors. And sometimes, this really is the best option. However, it’s important to consider whether roofing over your existing roof is a good option, or if you should have the contractors tear off your roof to replace it completely.

Know the local codes

One reason you’ll need to hire a licensed contractor to update or replace your roof is that they’ll be familiar with the local building codes. These codes govern whether or not you even can roof over your existing roof.

Each local area has different rules, but the bottom line is that your roof can only weigh so much. If you’re already approaching the limit according to local building codes, you may not be able to add another layer to your roof. Your professional roofer will be able to calculate the weight of your current and additional roofing materials to determine whether or not your roof is a candidate for having a new layer.

When it comes to picking out a new roof for your home, or even a roof for your new construction home, it pays to look at things through a buyer’s eyes. Even if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, you never know what will happen. So whether you’re renovating or building a brand new home, take time to think about what today’s buyers are looking for when choosing a roof.

Not sure what buyers in your area like? Talk with a local realtor, or ask your Orange County roofing contractor what other homeowners in the area are doing. Getting an idea of the current trends will help you make the best possible choice when it comes to choosing a roof for your home.

Here are some of the considerations to make when you’re looking at your roofing choice as a buyer would:

If you’re in the market for a new roof or roof repair, it’s important to put time and effort into vetting potential Orange County roofing contractors. Luckily, this is easier than ever with the power of the internet. Today, there are plenty of online resources you can use to check out potential roofers’ credentials and customer reviews. Here are just seven resources you can use today to check out potential roofing companies for your next project:

1.California Contractor State License Board

At a minimum, any roofing contractor you hire should have a license from the California Contractor State License Board (CSLB). You’ll need to look for the company’s license number on its website or marketing materials, and be sure that the contractor can complete the work that you need to have done. Ideally, your Orange County roofing company will be able to handle any sort of roofing project, just in case any additional issues pop up during your project’s process.

2.Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is the best place to go for potential negative reviews of roofers and other contractors. While customers technically can leave good feedback with the BBB, they’re most likely to leave negative feedback. But you should still check out the roofer’s history to see if they’ve had any complaints in the past few years. Also, you can see if a business is accredited with the BBB and what sort of overall rating they have.

3.National Roofing Contractor Association

This third-party association, and others like it, certify members’ knowledge of current industry standards and practices. They also ensure that contractors cooperate with local safety guidelines. Membership in one of these associations isn’t mandatory when looking for a great Orange County roofing contractor. But it can show that your contractor is serious about staying up-to-date on the latest trends and practices.

4.Manufacturer’s Certifications

In order to install certain materials, roofers actually need to be certified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you risk paying an arm and a leg for high-quality materials, but missing out on your warranty. This is because contractors must be certified by the manufacturer in order to install materials under a warranty. If you have a particular manufacturer or material in mind for your roofing project, you should definitely be sure that your contractor has the appropriate certifications in place.

5.Government Certifications

Some contractors get involved in optional government programs, such as recycling programs that allow them to safely recycle certain used roofing materials. Contractors could also participate in programs for lead remediation and other similar programs. Most of the time, contractors will show off these certifications on their marketing materials, but you may want to verify them independently wherever possible.

6.Social Media

Looking for real reviews by customers of your potential roofer? Look at social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be a great place to find review from individuals who have dealt directly with the company in question. Plus, you can always ask friends on these networks if they’ve dealt with local contractors for their own roofing problems. You might be surprised at how much advice you can get from other locals.

7.Third-Party Review Websites

Can’t find the feedback you’re looking for on social media? Check out third-party review websites like Angie’s List. These websites are great because they may actually vet the reviewers to ensure that they’ve actually dealt with the company in question. Other websites are open to anyone, but most reviews will be reasonable and from real customers.

Aside from these seven resources, be sure that you also talk directly to the contractor in question. You should always get in-person estimates for your job. This is a great option because it doesn’t just give you a total price for your project, but also a feel for how the contractor communicates and values customers.

Working through resources like these does take time. But it’s worth your while when it results in a great contractor that works well for your particular project. Take your time when considering these and other indicators of a contractors’ qualifications. And be sure to look at multiple contractors when looking for someone to fulfill your roofing needs.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer in Tustin and surrounding areas, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Wherever and whenever you need roofing services in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

Whether you’re looking to replace your roof, do some minor repairs, or subcontract the roof of your new-build home, you need to take some specific steps to find a great contractor. The contractor who does your job can make all the difference in the world. A great Orange County roofing contractor can make for a smooth, easy process of getting your job complete. But a bad contractor can result in not only headaches along the way, but shoddy workmanship that costs more in the long run.

So before you rush into signing a contract, follow these five tips for finding an excellent roofing contractor:

1.Go local

Your best bet when it comes to hiring a contractor is to go local. Local contractors, more than large companies or even installation crews from big chain hardware stores, understand the local markets. They’re more likely to understand what materials and techniques work best in your area. Plus, they’ll follow the current trends, so you can be sure that your roof looks up-to-date if you’re going for a replacement.

Also, local contractors are more likely to offer personalized, in-person service. This can make the whole process of getting your roofing project completed much easier.

2.Check for licensing and insurance

In Southern California, roofing contractors should be licensed by the state. They should be able to provide you with a license number, and you can cross reference that with the state database to ensure that the license is up to date. While not all licensed contractors are necessarily excellent, this is a good baseline to begin with.

Part of maintaining your roof is actually keeping it clean, as odd as this might sound. But debris built up on your roof can cause some serious problems, from leaks to backed-up gutters. Just like you need to clean your gutters regularly, you’ll also need to regularly clean your roof.

How often you’ll need to clean your roof depends on a variety of factors, including the type of roofing material that’s on your roof. Talk to your Orange County roofing contractor about whether or not your roof needs cleaned regularly.

If you can see debris

Built-up debris from tree leaves and other things on your roof can cause some serious problems. Debris can itself start rotting, which can cause certain roofing materials to do the same. But even if rot isn’t a problem, debris can stain your roof, causing your property values to lower. Or debris can keep your roof from functioning as designed, since it can block the flow of water from your roof into your gutters.

Heavier debris, such as sticks, can also puncture your roofing materials, causing holes and leaks in the roof. Of course, this is a problem you want to avoid at all costs!

Does your Orange County roof have a slow leak?

Sometimes, especially in sunny SoCal, your roof will have no signs of a leak. A home that looks to be in perfect condition, though, could be hiding insidious problems with its number one form of protection: the roof.

Whether your roof is tile, asphalt, or metal, if it wasn’t installed properly, it could have a slow leak. But here’s the thing: with a slow leak, you may never know you have a problem until it’s too late to avoid replacing the entire roof, and maybe even some beams and rafters.

The danger of a slow leak is that you may not notice it for months or even years. This is especially true if you rarely go into your attic. But these types of leaks can cause serious damage over time, including rotting through your roofing underlayment or causing mold.

So what should you look for as signs of a slow leak in your roof? And how will an Orange County roofing contractor fix the problem? Or even help you prevent it? Here’s what you need to know.

Signs of a slow leak

A regular roofing leak is pretty easy to spot. It comes with a drip-dripping during sudden storms. You may even notice holes or missing shingles or tiles from the outside of your home. The signs of a slow leak, though, are more subtle. They include:

As you might already know, the federal government often offers tax credits to incentivize eco-friendly improvements on your home. You can, for instance, get a tax credit for installing a solar water heater or a more efficient furnace. And in 2016, you can get a tax credit for an energy-efficient roof, too!

The details

This tax credit is a federal income tax credit, and it’s effective through the end of this year: December 31st, 2016. In other words, you must have the roof installed before the end of the year to claim the credit.

The credit is for up to 10% of the cost of your roof, not including installation costs. You can claim up to $500. So to get the full credit, you’ll need to spend $5,000 on roofing materials.

One item of note here: roofs installed on business and secondary properties don’t count. The roof needs to be on your primary residence in order to apply for this tax credit. Your principal residence is defined as a home that you own and that you live in most of the time. Also, the roof must be retrofitted to an existing home. You can’t claim the credit if you’re adding a cooling roof to a new construction home.

As part of your overall roofing system, you may not think about flashing much. But whether you’re in for roof repair or full replacement, rest assured that your Orange County roofing contractor is thinking about flashing. It’s an essential part of the weatherproofing system for your home, and should be used in more places than just on the roof. But as part of the roof, it’s essential.

So what is flashing, and why is it so important? And how do you know if it’s been damaged and needs repaired or replaced?

Interested in New Roof Tax Credits in Orange County?

Are you considering replacing or repairing your roof in 2016? Or did you make some improvements in 2017? If so, you might qualify for tax credits from either your federal or state income taxes.

Not all home improvements are eligible for tax deductions or credits, but many that make your home more energy efficient are. Here’s what you need to know about possible roofing related tax credits if you’re considering hiring an Orange County roofing contractor to make energy-efficient roofing improvements this year.

Federal Tax Credits

In 2016, you can claim 10% of costs--up to $500--or a specific amount from $50 to $300 on certain ENERGY STAR products. You must make the repairs or upgrades on your existing home, which must also be your principal residence. Vacation and rental homes, and new construction homes don’t count.

For roofs, the tax rebate applies to metal roofs with certain pigmented coatings, and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules. You can also include costs for items like weather stripping, spray foam, house wrap, and caulk to seal air leaks.

With the way that many commercial buildings are put together, roof leaks can be difficult to see. Proper maintenance and inspection can help you avoid roofing leaks or catch them early. But sometimes, they just happen.

Leaks tend to look a little different on commercial roofs than on residential roofs. And they’re even harder to spot if no one regularly visits the attic of your commercial building. So it’s important to understand and know how to look for signs of a leaky commercial roof. Here are the 5 most common signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for:

1.Bubbling: This sign is most relevant for flat roofs finished with a solid material. In this case, bubbles can be a sign of moisture trapped inside the roofing material. When these bubbles form, your roof will be more susceptible to wind-related damage. You usually can’t see bubbling from the ground, so it’s important to check for this particular sign regularly from the roof itself.

Metal roofs may remind you of backwater shanties without much curb appeal. But that’s really no longer the case. New manufacturing techniques have made metal roofs incredibly interesting and attractive. This roofing material now has a lot to offer consumers. While metal roofs aren’t the best choice for everyone, you should certainly consider a metal roof when it’s time to replace yours. Here are just ten reasons why:

1.Weight

Metal is one of the most lightweight roofing options available, which makes it a good alternative to a clay or concrete tile upgrade. If your home was originally built for an asphalt shingle roof, it may require additional support to be added if you’d like to upgrade to a tile roof, which adds much additional weight. Since metal is often lighter even than asphalt shingles, you won’t have to worry about this issue.

When it comes to roofing, many homeowners are content to let their roof be until there’s an obvious problem. For instance, they won’t touch the roof or call in a professional until there’s an obvious leak. The problem with this is that your roof is the most important part of your whole home system, as it’s the system that protects everything else about your home.

This is why many Orange County roofing contractors suggest scheduling an annual roofing inspection. Annual inspections are actually quite affordable, and there are several reasons to add them to your home maintenance schedule. Here are just five of the most compelling:

1.Catch problems before they become big problems

The primary reason to consider having an annual roofing inspection on your schedule is to

Chances are that your roof takes up quite a bit of the overall square footage of the outside of your home. In fact, it could be up to half of what people see when they pull up on the curb, depending on the design of your roof. So one of the simplest ways to add curb appeal to your home is to add some appeal to your roof.

There are plenty of ways to do this, including upgrading to a tile or slate roofing option, or choosing a roof in a unique color. But one of the best options for upgrading the look of your roof is to talk to your Orange County roofing contractor about architectural shingles.

Your roof is a huge part of your investment in your home, since it protects literally every other part of your investment. So you want to take extra time and care when repairing your roof, and making decisions about roof repairs. On that note, here are five things to avoid when it’s time to repair your roof:

1.Hire a cut-rate contractor

It may seem tempting to hire a less experienced contractor, or one who quotes a too-good-to-be-true low price. Cheaper contractors - especially those who don’t give a solid reason for being significantly cheaper than your other quotes - are often cheaper for a reason. These contractors might cut prices by hiring less experienced laborers, or by using lower-quality materials. None of these things are good for you or your home!

Instead: Shop around and get quotes, but choose a contractor who offers the most value for your money. Experience counts in this business, so opt for a more experienced contractor who has a crew of well-trained workers. You’ll save money in the long run.

No homeowner likes to hear that they need a new roof. Roofs, after all, are expensive. So it can be tempting to skimp on roofing costs. A little here. A little there. What can it hurt?

So you use less expensive materials, or hire a contractor at a cut rate. What difference does that really make, in the long run? This is especially tempting if you’re not planning to stay in the home for more than a few years anyway. You’ll never see the return on investment for a more expensive roof, or so you think.

But when it comes to roofing, it’s one of the biggest and most important investments that you’ll make in your home. After all, a roof is what protects and covers the rest of your home, which makes it a pretty important part of the whole.

Even in California, the state where solar energy gives the quickest returns on investment, solar is a big investment. You could spend tens of thousands of dollars on solar energy for your home or business. To make that investment worthwhile you, of course, need to be sure you’re using the best possible solar panels on your home. But you’ll also want to be sure that you’re hiring the right roofing company to install your solar panels.

If you’re getting ready to hire a contractor to work on your roof, you’ll definitely want to do your homework. Your roof is one of the most important systems in your home. After all, it’s what protects everything else in your home!

Before you hire a contractor, make sure you’re getting the best Orange County roofing company by finding out these details about the company in question:

1.Licensing information

The first, and simplest, step to take when hiring a roofing contractor is to find out about the company’s licensing information.