Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

When beginning the search for your roofing company, it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Learning the differences between a legitimate contractor and a less reputable company is key to ensuring you get the best possible roof. Read on to discover 5 qualities you should look for and some important questions to ask, as you search for the right roofing contractor.

1.  “If you think hiring a good roofer is expensive, try hiring a bad one.”

While it’s always important to be a conscientious spender, there are other elements of greater importance to consider. We’ve all heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for”, while we all want a great deal, this phrase has some truth to it, especially when it comes to a new roof. Many ways a roofing contractor “saves” you money is by taking short cuts. Therefore, when choosing your roofing contractor, it is imperative to take into consideration the quality of the product and the service. There is a lot involved when installing a new roof, so make sure their workers are properly trained and insured. An educated estimator, a competent support staff and excellent customer service will ensure the entire process runs smoothly form start to finish and beyond. When choosing a roofing contractor, you want one you can trust. Keep the following considerations in mind, so you can make a well-informed decision that looks beyond the price.

Kaufman Roofing Back in the Day

2.     How long have they been around?

While this isn’t the only factor to take into consideration when choosing a roofing contractor, knowing how long a roofing contractor has been in business will give you some insight into the reliability of the company. A company that has been in business for a longer period of time is more likely to be there for you in the future, to help maintain the integrity of your roof. 

3.     Keep things local.

There are several reasons why hiring a local roofing contractor is more beneficial than an out-of-state contractor. Firstly, a local contractor has a solid reputation within their community, which allows you to know exactly how the contractor operates. They will be able to provide one-on-one customer service, allowing for a quicker response time for roof advice and repairs. They also have local knowledge about your community including weather conditions, local building codes, and the most suitable roofing products for your area.

4.     Can they provide proof of insurance?

Any credible roofing contractor should be readily able to provide proof they are properly licensed and insured. This is necessary for any roofing contractor to have in order to provide you the necessary security of knowing that your home is protected in the event of damage or an accident.  This not only protects the roofing contractor; it protects you as the homeowner.

Kaufman Roofing Support Staff

5.     Learn about their post-construction services.

When finding your roofing contractor, it’s important to learn about the company’s post-construction services, such as warranties and maintenance. Keeping your roof well-maintained is an important part of making your roof last as long as possible. Learn about the warranties included in a roof installation. Typically, roofing contractors will provide both material warranties (typically provided by the manufacturer) and a workmanship warranty, which will ensure that your roofing contractor will take the appropriate responsibility for their workmanship for an expressed number of years. Additionally, make sure your roof is well-maintained over the years by getting regular gutter cleanings and snow removals. 

By following these tips, you will save yourself a lot of headaches during the process as well as down the road.  Be sure to choose a trusted roofing contractor who has the experience and longevity to give you a reliable roof. 

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965 or Click to schedule an estimate

~Molly Johnson

Metal Roof Benefits

What are the Benefits of a Metal Roof?

Boral Steel Roof installed by Kaufman Roofing

In recent years, more and more homeowners are considering metal roofing when replacing the roof on their homes. In previous years, metal roofs were typically only installed on barns or warehouses. But now, they have become a popular option for homeowners as well, due to an increase in more aesthetically pleasing varieties of metal roofing with styles that mimic shingles, tiles, and slate. If you are considering a metal roof for your house, or are just curious about their benefits, here are some advantages a metal roof will provide.

Much Longer Lifespan

One of the biggest advantages to a metal roof is the long-lasting durability of the material. Metal roofs have a significantly longer lifespan than the more traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Most metal roofs are expected to last upwards of 40 years. With a metal installation, you may be installing the last roof your home will ever need!

Wind & Fire Resistance

A metal roof will also provide greater protection from exterior elements such as wind and fire. The interlocking panels on metal roofs provide maximum wind protection and the material itself keeps the roof fire resistant from lightning or sparks that could threaten the integrity of your roof. 

Energy Efficiency

The reflective material of a metal roof reflects solar heat, preventing that additional heat from entering your attic and making your house warmer in the summer. By reflecting this excess heat, a metal roof will keep your house cooler and help decrease air conditioning costs. 

Requires Less Maintenance

Standing Seam Metal Roof Installed by Kaufman Roofing

Traditional shingle roofs require yearly maintenance, such as snow & ice removal, roof cleaning, and occasional shingle repairs to keep the roof healthy and lasting as long as possible. A metal roof will require less maintenance than a shingle or tile roof as metal easily sheds snow and ice and also prevents moss and fungus build-up. These qualities help cut down yearly maintenance costs in preserving the overall quality of your roof.

Eco-Friendly

Most metal roofs are typically made of at least 25% recycled material. Beyond that, once a metal roof has reached the end of its lifespan, most times it can be 100% recycled. Combined with the much longer lifespan, and energy efficiency, as mentioned above, installing a metal roof will greatly reduce unnecessary waste.

Replacing your roof is a major decision for every homeowner and we recommend considering all the options available to you, so that you can make the best choice for your home.

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a metal roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965 or Click to schedule an estimate.

~ Molly Johnson

Brava Roof Installed by Kaufman Roofing

Choosing Your Shingle Color

How to Choose a Shingle Color

You’ve found your roofing contractor, signed a contract, and are eagerly awaiting your beautiful new roof — there’s just one last decision to make: What color shingles will you choose? This is a question that can be daunting to many homeowners, but it doesn’t need to be. 

It’s understandable why homeowners worry about choosing the right color, as a well-installed shingle roof should last many years. This is an important decision that will impact the curb appeal of your house and has the opportunity to significantly improve the appearance of your house.

If you have never chosen a shingle color before, or you don’t feel like you know how to make the right choice, here is a quick guide to finding the best color for your roof.

Step 1: Look at the big picture

A good starting point when deciding on a shingle color is to look at your house as a whole. What colors are your siding, shutters, and doors? Do you have any brick work? It can even help to consider the surrounding houses or your landscaping. 

It’s important that your shingles harmonize with the rest of the colors on your house and are also dissimilar enough that it keeps your house from looking bland. For example, if your house’s siding has a lot of variation, such as multi-colored brick or stone work, then it will probably better suit your house to choose a less variegated shingle color. Whereas, if your siding is all the same color, it would be best to choose a complimentary shingle color, or even a shingle with a blend of colors.

Below is a table that gives some quick information on what shingle colors typically compliment a siding color.

SIDING COLOR	BEST MATCHING ROOF SHINGLE COLOR
Red	Black, Dark Gray, Dark Brown, Green
Light Gray	Gray, Black, Green, Blue, White
Beige/Cream	Brown, Black, Gray, Green, Blue
Brown	Gray, Brown, Green, Blue
White	Brown, Grey, Black, Green, Blue
Weathered Wood or Log Houses	Brown, Green, Black, Grey

Step 2: Always ask to see physical sample boards

Now that you have a general idea of what color would look best with the rest of your house, ask to see physical sample boards of a few different options. While looking at pictures of the color gives you a good idea about what it looks like, we always encourage people to look at a physical shingle so that you can really see what the color will look like on your house. 

Compare the color to your siding and look at the shingle sample both in the sun and in the shade to make sure your choice will compliment the rest of your exterior colors in all types of lighting.

Step 3: Ask your roofing contractor for addresses

Once you have narrowed down your choices to two or three colors, ask your roofing contractor to provide addresses where they have installed the colors you are interested in. We highly recommend seeing the shingles installed on an actual roof, especially if the color you’re interested in is more variegated. For busier shingle colors, it’s helpful to get some perspective and see the color on an actual roof, versus just seeing it close up on a sample board.

Step 4: Make your decision and enjoy your beautiful new roof!

Let your roofer know your color choice and your work is done!

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a new shingle roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965.

If you are interested in getting an estimate on a new shingle roof, call Kaufman Roofing today at (612)722-0965 or Click to schedule an estimate.