Why Your Roof Deserves More Than a Quick Patch Job

Believe me, I've been in the roofing industry long enough that I know most homeowners aren't giving their roof a second thought until a leak appears in the middle of the living room. It's just reality. However, a quality residential roofing contractor isn't the person who show up with a few buckets, toss a tarp on the roof and bolt.

He's the roofing professional who actually gets on the roof, identifies the problems even if they are not what you want to hear, and offers options of service, not just a bill.

Pekin roofing professionals make the calls from homeowners for this exact reason year in and year out. People want a local contractor they can rely on who won't take a hike once the check clears. And to be fair, that reputation doesn't happen over night, it happens one roof at a time.

Residential vs Commercial Roofing Contractor - Not the Same Job

Many people think all roofers do all types of roofs. That's false. A residential roofing contractor specializes in pitched roofs, shingled or tiled, ridge vents, the roof of your house.

A commercial roofing contractor generally specializes in flat or low-slope systems, membrane roofing, larger square footage and different equipment altogether.

Some crews do either one very well. Some don't. If you own a home, you need someone whose specialty is residential, not the guy who mostly does shopping centers and tries to fit you in.

Roof Installation or Repair? When you find yourself asking whether you need a brand new roof installation or a simple repair, think about this:

Somebody asked the question of the day on the local home improvement forum, and I'll give you my shot at the answer: When do I need a new roof? It's not always cut and dry. Curling, cracking shingles, missing granules by the handful, all signs of wear.

A couple missing shingles after a big wind?

That's a repair. But 20 years on the roof and every other year a new patch? Throwing good money after bad on something that is bound to cost you down the road. Installing a new roof really is a costly venture, and yes, an investment.

But in the long run it may be less expensive than five repairs every two years.

A good contractor will be honest with you about what kind of situation you are in.

Storm Damage & Insurance - Don't Wait Around

Fierce storms rumble in, hail pound away, wind tears shingles off roofs - and many property owners don't contact a contractor immediately. Huge mistake. Storm damage and insurance claims have timelines, and insurance companies are not exactly rushing to make your life simple.

The faster you bring a contractor in with photos and a written report, the more solid your claim.

Pekin roofing professionals work directly with adjusters every day, so they understand the insurance company's mentality and why a claim can be denied. That kind of experience is critical until you find yourself in a fight.

What About Siding? It's Not Just About the Roof

Kind of amusing, people call up about their roof, and as an aside say that they've had cracked siding for 2 years. Sure, there is a good reason that roofing contractor and siding contractor overlap like that, water doesn't know where to stop - a bad roof will take out the fascia, the soffits, and later on, the siding. If someone is up on your roof anyway, see if they can take a quick look at your siding.

That way you only have to pay for one visit and be surprised at the end of it.

Most good roofing companies also do siding work though.

How Do You Actually Pick the Right Contractor?

Get opinions. Really that's still the best way. Make sure they're licensed and insured, sure, but ask how long they've been working on residential roofing jobs in your region.

Place is important.

Someone who has weathered the Pekin cold and summer storms on a regular basis will be able to recommend the right materials for the climate. Get multiple estimates as well, not necessarily to compare prices, but because if one estimate is way higher than the other then the scope of the project isn't obvious.

The Real Cost of Waiting Too Long

I understand, no one likes to do roof work. It's expensive. However, every small leak you ignore becomes rotted decking.

Every rotted piece of decking you ignore becomes a structural issue.

And every structural issue you ignore is thousands of dollars more than fixing a simple roof repair. Every season you wait, water is moving in around something-flashing, vents, valleys. If you notice a stain on your ceiling, granules in your gutter, or see light in your attic, get it checked out. It's cheaper to repair a small issue than reconstruct a larger one.

Bottom Line on Finding Trustworthy Roofing Help

By day's end your roofing is taking an incredible amount of discreet, unappreciated punishment. Do yourself a favor and get it looked at before it demands your attention through the ruckus. Whether you simply want a reliable professional for a basic repair or a brand new full roof, some assistance with storm or insurance work, or a friendly professional to walk your property and service your gutters and soffits while they're there, it all comes down to the same criteria - get the professionals that are going to be honest with you. Pekin roofing experts who've earned their name usually did it the hard way: showing up, doing the work right, and not disappearing when things get complicated.