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!

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.