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Hiring a Reliable Roofer

2/25/2017

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Purchasing a new roof is a large investment, so it is extremely important to hire the right roofing contractor for the job.  Just because a company promises they will do the job quickly and cheaper than others does not mean that they are the best option.  In order to find a reliable and knowledgeable roofer, you must ask some important questions and do some investigating to ensure they will do a good job on what we think is the most important aspect of your home or business.  Here are some questions you should ask before you sign a contract and pull out your wallet:

  1. Are they an established contractor?  If a roofer has been in the business for a number of years, this is a good sign that they are trusted by their clients.
  2. Can they provide references?  Be sure to ask for contact info from their last three clients or you may be given a list of their most satisfied clients.  Knowing how their most recent customers feel about their service will give you a good idea of what you can expect.  It is also a good idea to contact clients who had their roofs replaced several years ago so you can learn about the quality of their work.
  3. Do they have insurance?  A reliable roofing contractor will have liability insurance to protect customers from any unexpected situations during the process.  Be sure to ask for a certificate of insurance and check to make sure their policy is still valid before they begin work.
  4. What type of warranty do they offer?  If they do offer an additional warranty, find out how long it applies and what it covers.  Most reliable roofing companies offer guarantees that will cover problems caused by improper installations.
  5. What does their process look like?  Ask questions about how long the project will take to complete, their cleanup policy, and what you should expect with your new roof.  A good contractor will be completely transparent with you about the entire project.  If a roofing company says they will complete the project in  a very short amount of time, chances are they are skimping on the quality of their work.  If they don't clean up after themselves, your property is probably going to be covered in old roofing shingles and nails.

At Bill White Roofing and Specialty we are committed to quality and complete customer satisfaction.  We always say “Your roof is our roof” and our work reflects that.  We know the importance of a strong and sturdy roof so we go the extra mile to ensure it is in the best shape possible.  If you have any problems with your roof, have questions about your roof, or just want a roof inspection to give you peace of mind, give us a call.  We would love to hear from you!

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Spring Cleaning Guide for Your Roof

2/15/2017

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It’s almost spring cleaning time again!  Your house needs to be cleaned from top to bottom, your garage de-cluttered, your landscaping refreshed, and your roof needs some attention too.  After a winter full of storms, ice, and drastic weather changes, your roof could have possible leaks, missing shingles, mold, and other serious problems.  Follow our spring cleaning checklist to assess the state of your roof:

  1. Clean Out the Gutters:  Chances are, your gutters are full of leaves and other debris as you’re reading this.  Either hire a professional or carefully climb a ladder to clear your gutter system out and ensure that water can run freely through your downspouts.  While you’re at it, check for signs of damage on your gutters such as rust, corrosion, and separation from your roof.  If your gutter system is not in tip-top shape for the rainy spring season, you will be faced with much bigger problems down the road.
  2. Check for Loose Shingles and Flashing:  You can inspect your roof from the ground instead of climbing on it to avoid the risk of slipping or falling.  Look for gaps in the shingles, curling shingles, or any shingles that look like they will fly off the next time the wind blows.  Take a look at the flashing, or the material that covers all of the joints in your roof, for signs that it is buckling or coming off. 
  3. Trim Branches:  If you have trees in your yard that have branches hanging over your roof, this is an accident waiting to happen.  If you have the proper equipment, trim any overhanging branches to avoid damage to your roof.  This will also help with the amount of leaves that pile up in your gutters.
  4. Inspect Your Attic:  Do a thorough inspection in your attic for signs of water damage or mold.  Check all of the beams and joists for signs of cracking or bending and check the roof deck for deterioration as well.  Do your inspection during the day and look for signs of light seeping into the attic from outside.
Follow our simple checklist to ensure your roof is in top condition for the coming spring.  If you identify any issues or problems it is best to contact an experienced and dependable roofing contractor for repairs.  Give us a call at (205) 942-8374 for fast and efficient roof repairs in Birmingham so you can focus on all of the other areas of your home that need spring cleaning.
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It's All About the Nails

2/5/2017

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Did you know that if your roofing shingles are not nailed correctly, your roofing warranty can be voided?  When the warranty is void, roof repairs are not covered.  Improperly nailed shingles will also cause significant problems for your roof.  They will blow off easier during high winds and they will also leave the roof vulnerable to leaks and other damage.
You’re probably thinking, “If I hire a licensed roofing contractor to do the work, they have to know how to nail the shingles on correctly, right?”  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Even though most shingle manufacturers place the proper nailing instructions on every wrapper, most shingles are clearly marked where they should be nailed, and most manufacturers provide training and certification on proper shingle application, many homeowners end up with roofing problems due to improper shingle installation.

Because the proper placement of the nails takes training, knowledge, skill, and lots of experience, it is very important to do your research and hire a qualified roofing contractor in Birmingham to ensure the job is completed correctly.  When you narrow down your potential roofing companies, be sure to read online reviews from previous clients, ask to speak with their most recent clients, and ask a lot of questions about their process for installing shingles.  


A big topic in the roofing industry is the difference between hand nailing and using a nail gun when installing a roof.  While there are many arguments for both methods, our preferred method is to hand nail each roof we work on.  By hand nailing each shingle, we can ensure the nail is placed properly and is nailed in at the correct depth…flush with the shingle and not over-driven or under-driven.

When a nail gun is used to install shingles, there is more room for error, especially if the person using the gun is inexperienced or is moving too quickly.  When we hand nail, we are able to feel whether the nail catches the wood and whether it is flush with the shingle.  Nail guns have to be held at the correct angle to prevent the nail from going in crooked, and the air pressure of the gun must be adjusted according to temperature variations, wood type, and roof type.  One small error with a nail gun can cost a complete roof warranty.  So, while hand nailing can take more time, it is more precise and there is less room for error.  Our roofing crew has years of experience with hand nailing roofs, so they are still able to install a roof quickly and correctly.

Please contact Bill White Roofing and Specialty about roof replacement in Birmingham or any of the surrounding areas.  
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Bill White Roofing and Specialty
3172 Shannon Wenonah Rd
Bessemer, AL 35022
​(205) 942-8374
    Business Hours
          Sunday            By Appointment
         Monday              8 am-4:30 pm
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          Friday                       8 am-12 pm
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  • Home
  • Roofing Services
    • Roof Repair
    • Roof Replacement
    • Gutters
    • Commercial Roofing
  • About
  • Contact
  • For Our Clients
  • Roofing Blog
  • Where We Work
    • Homewood, AL
    • Hoover, AL
    • Mountain Brook, AL
    • Vestavia, AL
  • Privacy