Bauer Roofing Blog - Roofing General

Bauer Roofing Expands Metal Roofing Service Area to South Carolina Coast

Wed, 05 May 2010 17:32:00 -0400

Bauer Construction, Inc., a Columbia-area general contractor specializing in roofing has expanded its service areas in South Carolina to include locations along the Atlantic Coast.

In response to high demand, Bauer Roofing is offering metal roof replacement services to homeowners from Charleston to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in addition to previous service areas including Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and more.

NEW South Carolina Coastal Metal and Asphalt Roofing Service Areas:

Georgetown
Charleston
Beaufort
Edisto
Fripp Island
Hilton Head
James Island
John's Island
Mt. Pleasant
Sullivan's Island
Myrtle Beach

Metal Roofs Benefit Coastal Homes

Coastal South Carolina homes are subject to elements not present in other areas of the country. Intense heat, wind, rain, and salty sprays can wreak havoc on any kind roof -- metal or asphalt -- if that building envelope is not expertly installed.

An affiliate contractor Classic Metal Roofing products, Bauer Roofing is knowledgeable and experienced in roofing applications fit for the Southern coastal climate.

About Bauer Construction, Inc.

Established in 1989, Bauer Construction, Inc., is a general contractor specializing in metal and asphalt roof replacement for customers in South Carolina. Bauer Construction, Inc., is a member in good standing with the National Association of Homebuilders, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia.

What Happens When A House Isn't Vented Properly?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:32:00 -0400

I received a phone call this morning from a lady who said mold had begun forming in their attic. Now, that isn't uncommon, but the way she said it made it seem as though it was a lot of mold. She said it had just started recently and was quickly getting worse.

So, as usual, I set a time to meet her at the house and look at the problem. To her and her husband (he's been in the attic to see the problem), it appeared that there was a roof leak; and through this roof leak, mold had formed on the underside of the roof decking (1/2" plywood). When I went into the attic, what I saw was bright gray and greenish-gray mold growing on the plywood. And it wasn't a little spot, it was the whole front of the house. I've been in thousands of attics, literally, and I've seen mildew and mold on plywood, but this was one of the worse.

Now came the obvious question: What was causing it? Was it a roof leak? And if so, where was the water coming from and why was it causing that much condensation? Again, I've seen tons of leaks in attics and they don't cause this much mold, not even really bad leaks.

Upon further inspection, and after some general questions, I discovered that they had new vinyl windows installed about 2-3 years ago. Also, I realized that there was no ventilation in the attic and the soffits were wrapped in vinyl and vented poorly. So basically, the moisture that used to be able to flow out naturally was being trapped in the house and attic with nowhere to go. It is equivalent to taking something steaming and wrapping it in a plastic bag.

The house was suffocating.

Ideally, when the windows were installed, the contractor would have informed the homeowners of the downside to air-sealing a home, and either fixed it or referred them to someone who could. Think about it: the moisture from taking a bath and doing dishes and washing clothes has to go somewhere. Now don't get me wrong, new vinyl windows are an excellent idea, but make sure you have proper ventilation all around the house or they can cause major problems.

What did we do to fix this ladie's problem? You'll have to wait....I'll post the solution soon.

In the meantime, check out this post I wrote earlier this year, titled, "Ventilation is Vital to the Life of Your House."

Roy Bauer

If You've Been Putting Off Doing Your Roof, Now Is The Time

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:51:00 -0400

My name is Roy Bauer and I've been with Bauer Roofing for nearly 20 years. My dad started this company when I was little, and I've been learning and observing ever since. There are certain times of the year that are just better than others for remodeling projects --and now is one of those times. The killer heat is gone and the cold isn’t here yet.

If there are projects that you've been putting off, now is the time to get them done.

Not only is the weather on your side, but the economics are too. Remodeling contractors need a strong September--November to carry them through the Holiday season. Roofing, painting, siding, gutters and windows are somewhat cyclical and slow down a lot in the winter --because of the holidays and the weather.

If you've been contemplating any kind of project --be it roofing, siding, painting, gutters or windows-- now is the time. Pricing is lower and contractors can most likely get to it sooner, both of which are great for homeowners.

So look at your shingles: are they curling, are some missing, or are the granules falling off? Look in the attic: are there stains around the chimney, or stains around pipes?

Is the paint chipping or coming off in places? If so, you may want to either repaint or wrap the house in siding.

How about the windows? With the winter coming up, your heating bill will rise right along with it. If your windows are old, single-pane windows, you need to replace them with ones that won't let the cold air in and the hot air out.

As for gutters: if they are leaking in places, sagging or plastic, then now is the time to replace them. Winter not only brings rain, but ice as well. I know we don't have severe winters, but we do have many nights where water, if it is sitting in gutters, will freeze and break things loose --when water freezes it expands.

Once you decide that now is your time to act, you have to go through the process of hiring a contractor, which, if you've ever done it before, you know can be daunting. Most people have either had a bad experience with a contractor or knows someone who has.

I want to share some information with you that will help with this process. Certified Contractors Network is a network devoted to making sure homeowners have the best experience possible, when doing remodeling. I've included two links below that, based on the CCN information, will guide you in choosing the right contractor.

Please read them. I've heard from homeowners that they wish they'd been given this information long ago --before their last contractor ripped them off.

To schedule an appointment for someone to look at your house click here. (South Carolina only, sorry)

Pictures of Metal Roofing Project In Charleston, SC

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:30:00 -0400

We just finished installing a new "Standing Seam" metal roof on a beautiful home in Charleston, SC. This house sits on the waterway and has an incredible view. And because of that, the homeowners wanted a metal roof that would blend in with the style of their house, keeping in mind that it is a Coastal home. They chose to install an aluminum, hidden-fastener standing seam, metal roof.

As you can see from the pictures below, it was the perfect choice for this house. Not only do the homeowners have a roof that will last a lifetime, but they have one that will reduce cooling costs every day that it is on there.

Take a look at the pictures. If you are interested in having a metal roof installed, give us a call at 803-955-0374 or click here to have a representative get in touch with you.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Environmentally Friendly" Roofing: A Smart Choice

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:54:00 -0400

One of the biggest catch phrases going around right now is “going green”. But, what exactly does that mean when it comes to roofing and how does it affect you as a homeowner?

Typically, most houses here in South Carolina have an asphalt shingle roof on them. Asphalt shingles are basically the worst type of roofing for “green” conscious homeowners as they come. Why? Because they are susceptible to hail damage, absorb heat, hold on to that heat for a long time, are rarely recycled (because it is difficult), heavy and typically last 12-18 years. If you add up that combination, it spells environmental disaster.

Having said all of that, asphalt shingles are the most popular because of their cost, which is low. Let’s face it, we, as homeowners, will overlook the bad parts of something if it is cheaper. That doesn’t make it right, that is just a fact. But when it comes to roofing our homes, we need to start developing a different mind set. A paradigm shift, if you will. We need to start thinking long term and not, “What is best for me now, I don’t care about 10 years from now.”

To their credit, shingle manufacturers are doing something to try and make their shingles more “green”. They have developed what is called “cool colors”, which is a shingle that has a higher reflective material in it. Most of these shingles are being developed in California because of their strict regulations on “energy efficiency”. Title 24 is strongly encouraging shingle manufacturers to create more “cool” shingles, or they could find themselves, in the not too distant future, not being able to sell shingles in the largest state in the U.S.

But, no matter how reflective the “rocks” on top of the asphalt shingle are, it doesn’t change the fact that it is very bad in a hail storm, heavy, and virtually non-recyclable.

Fortunately, there is a product that offers both longevity and “green” friendly features, and that’s metal roofing.

Metal roofing, if you get the right type, is made from 98% post consumer recycled material, is 100% recyclable, is the most energy efficient roofing available, installs over existing roofing material (eliminating costly tear-off and dump fees), will not rust, rot or crack, never needs cleaning and will last a lifetime.

One of the only draw backs I’ve heard to metal roofing is the look. I’ve heard from homeowners that they don’t want their house to look like a Pizza Hut or a bank. And many “Coventry Laws” in subdivisions don’t allow commercial looking, metal roofing. But, there are some fantastic looking options out there for metal roofing that simulate a “wood shake” or “shingle” look. And, if you are in the right area of South Carolina –along the coast or in the country— there is still still the “standing seam” metal roof option.

When it comes to roofing your home, the most energy efficient, storm protected, longest lasting option, is a metal roofing system by Bauer Roofing. The advantages are enumerable.

We know that cost is an issue with every homeowner. The right metal roofing system will obviously be higher than a standard architectural asphalt shingle. If you have questions about metal roofing, whether it is the look, energy efficiency or the cost, give us a call and let us help give you the resources you need to decide what the best roofing system is for your home.

If you live in South Carolina, please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form and a representative will call you back.

royb

Can Asphalt Shingles Qualify for the Energy Tax Credit?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:26:00 -0400

Yes, but...

Let me explain.

I’ve contacted the three major asphalt shingle manufacturers that we see used here in South Carolina: Certainteed, GAF/Elk and Owens Corning. I’ll list the shingles and colors that I’ve been told are Energy Star Rated, and if they are available to us here in the south.

Certainteed

Their “cool shingle” line is called Landmark Solaris. It is an architectural shingle that comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty but isn’t available in any other warranty length at this time. The problem with this shingle is that it is currently made only in the Northwest. But I’ve been told, by a distributor, it could possibly be shipped here to South Carolina –I’m still waiting on a cost. It is available in these four colors: Burnt Sienna, Weathered Wood, Resawn Shake and Heather Blend.

I was told that, as of this week, the colors Mist White and Silver Birch have passed the tests and are now energy star rated in the regular Landmark Series. However, only those two colors.

In the 3-tab shingle arena, their Star White is energy star rated in the XT-25 shingle.

The Star White, Mist White and Silver Birch are readily available to us here in South Carolina, but the verdict is still out on the Landmark Solaris.

GAF/Elk

The “cool shingle” line by GAF-Elk is called the Timberline Prestique 40 HD Cool Color Series. This shingle is energy star rated in three colors and comes with a 40 Year Limited Warranty. It is not available in a 30 year, 50 year or Lifetime warranted shingle. It is currently only stocked in two places in California and, like the Certainteed Solaris, I am waiting on confirmation about availability and pricing. The colors available are: Cool Weatheredwood, Cool Barkwood and Cool Antique Slate.

GAF-Elk does have a regular 3-tab shingle, Royal Sovereign, that is energy star rated if you get the color White, and is available here in the south at anytime.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning has come out with their “cool shingle” and it is called Duration Premium Cool Shingles. I talked with Owens Corning this morning and this shingle has met the initial requirements for energy star rating but hasn’t received the Energy Star designation. The Duration Premium Cool Shingle won’t be fully Energy Star rated until August of 2010 (it takes three years for the certification). This shingle is offered in four colors and comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. But again, for us South Carolinians, it is currently only made in California and parts of Nevada. The four colors are: Frosted Oak, Harbor Fog, Sage and Sunrise.

Owens Corning does have a 3-tab shingle available that is energy star rated. Shasta white, in both the Classic (20 Year) and Supreme (25 year) line of shingles, is readily available for us here in the south.

Ventilation

I have been asked recently if the ventilation that is installed in a home can be used towards the Energy Tax Credit. Homeowners have asked if Ridge Vents, Soffit Vents and Baffle Vents qualify for the tax credit. So, I called the manufacturers of the ventilation we use, AirVent, and asked them. They said that only the Solar Fans qualify, not any other product.

Conclusion

A few miscellaneous notes. The Energy Tax Credit is not per occurrence. Meaning, you can’t get a $1500 tax credit for your roof + $1500 credit for new windows + $1500 tax credit for new insulation. Also, you can only apply it once during the next two years. Meaning, you can’t get $1500 this year for the roof and $1500 next year for new windows or insulation. However, you can combine different projects. Meaning, you can get $700 credit for windows + $800 credit for insulation. The Energy Tax Credit is 30% of material up to $1500.

If you live in South Carolina and have any questions or would like for someone to look at your house, please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form and a representative will call you back.

Bauer Roofing: More Than Just Roofing

Wed, 20 May 2009 17:01:00 -0400

Over the past 20+ years, we have become adept at more than just re-roofing homes. We have learned that our expertise in handling technical aspects of a roof (brick and stucco chimneys, dormers, skylights, metal eaves and rakes, etc…) has enabled us to expand into other types of product installation, mainly Siding, Windows, Gutters, Painting and Insulation.

We moved into siding, painting and gutter installation out of necessity. When we first started, as we were installing the new roofs, we noticed that the dormers and edges (eaves and rakes) around many homes were rotted due to faulty shingle, siding or wood installation. Quickly we developed a very efficient and long lasting solution to stop problems with rotting wood around dormers and edges of a house, and because of that success, homeowners began asking us to fix other parts of the outside of their house as well. Because our guys were very good at installing technical metal applicaitons, installing windows --with custom trim-- was the next step.

Also, because we inspect attics every time we measure a house, we began noticing that a majority of homes did not have adequate insulation. Homeowners realized that it was much easier and more cost efficient for us to fix the insulation problem at the same time we were doing the roof. Plus, it allowed them to use a contractor they already trusted and they were able to skip the dreaded “contractor search” process again.

As for the painting aspect of our business, it was born out of the fact that when the wood around the eaves and dormers were replaced, they had to be primed and painted. And again, we have developed systems and processes to ensure that the roof system is installed in such a way that it compliments the edges of the house, keeping everything dry and looking good for years to come.

Here are a few pictures of house we’ve worked on recently that involved more that just “roofing”.

The first two pictures are of trim metal (fascia, soffit and moulding) that we put on a house. They had existing trim metal that was only a year old, but it was installed without enough ventilation.

The next two pictures are before and after pictures of a bay window that we removed and replaced with a vinyl, insulated, energy efficient window. The homeowners were so happy they said they have to force themselves to close the curtains sometimes.

The next two are before and after pictures of a sliding glass door. The new door looks great and works incredibly. Again, it was an insulated, energy efficient vinyl door.

The next two pictures are before and after pictures of a roof and rotted out chimney. We replaced, not only the shingles on the house, but most of the wood on the chimney, and then primed and stained it. (We actually re-stained the entire house --including the gutters, deck and garage door)

The last two pictures are before and after pictures of the same house from above. We installed a new roof and re-stained all of the wood on the exterior, completely changing the color. The finished product turned out fantastic. The homeowners, and myself, were amazed at the difference it made.

If you live in South Carolina and would like for a representative from Bauer Roofing to take a look at your house, please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form and a representative will call you back.

Whether it is roofing, siding, painting, windows, doors, gutters or insulation, we have the experience and resources to give you the best possible job.

royb

Current Project: Downtown Columbia, SC

Tue, 05 May 2009 10:45:00 -0400

NEW PICTURE UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM: 5/20/09

There are certain parts of Columbia, South Carolina where the houses are all 60+ years old and typically have leaks and broken boards. We, as a company, make it a policy to inspect the attics whenever we go to a house. I want to know whether or not the wood is in good shape, whether or not the insulation is okay, and whether or not it is leaking and, if so, where. As a homeowner, it wouldn’t do any good to have a roof installed that should last over 30 years if the wood it sits on is in critical condition.

Upon inspection of the house, we found multiple places in the attic where water was getting in and rotting out the wood. Both chimneys had issues as well as the steep valley over the front door –where three roof lines converged. Also, on the back was a small flat roof that had standing water on it –something you definitely want to avoid. The last thing we noticed was that the bathroom vents weren't vented to the outside. They were just sitting on top of the ceiling joists, collecting moisture.

We started by removing the shingles, old tar-paper and the old nails. We then went through and fixed the broken and rotten boards. Next we installed a liner in all of the valleys and covered the house in a fiberglass underlayment –instead of that old #15 or #30 felt.

In the front where the three valleys came together, we installed an angled valley to run the water off, as opposed to it just sitting there and causing problems, like it was before.

Around the big front chimney, we removed all of the old flashing material and installed both step and counter flashing. Black counter, or cap, metal was used to blend in with the color of the shingles. Most roofers around here, for some reason, use regular silver aluminum and then paint it. After a couple of years it looks horrible. Luckily for homeowners, we have found a much better looking way to install it.

As for the small flat roof in the back, we installed new rafters to put a slight slope to the roof and then installed a very heavy grade modified underlayment. Next we will be installing a rubber roof. (in progress)

To ventilate the house, we installed AirVent ShingleVent II ridge vent, which features external baffles. To help homeowners better understand ventilation and what type is best for their house, I’ve written a post, What Type of Ventilation is Best For Your House. Check it out.

To vent the bathrooms, we simply cut in a vent from the outside and plugged the bathroom vent hose to the bottom of it from the attic.

As you can see, the homeowners picked the perfect color for their house and the finished product is turning out great. I’ll post more pictures as they come in.

royb

PICTURE UPDATES:

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:39:00 -0400

Homeowner’s who invest in the energy efficiency of their house could receive a federal tax credit of up to $1500!

—This is the second of a two part post. Add Bauer Roofing to your RSS feed to learn more about how the 2009 stimulus act could you a federal tax credit.—

To Read Part I Click Here

The Old Way

South Carolinians have come to expect their temporary asphalt shingles to streak, curl, lose granules and fail to the point of needing replaced every 12-15 years. That’s because asphalt shingles—regardless of the quality—begin to lose their effectiveness and life the moment they are installed. Homeowner’s have also seen their energy bills creep higher and higher never realizing it was their asphalt roof drawing the sun’s energy into their home. The result were overworked air conditioners and higher cooling costs.

An Energy Efficient, Lifetime Alternative

Bauer Roofing installs Classic Metal Roofing Systems to give homeowner’s a lifetime of cooler homes and lower energy bills.

Along with a federal tax credit, a Classic roof—

Accentuates the beauty of your home with intricate designs and vibrant colors that will last
Reflects the sun’s energy and reduces your summer utility costs by up to 25%
Is made from 98% recycled aluminum and not foreign petroleum like asphalt shingles
Is 100% Made In America
Comes with a lifetime/40 year limited warranty for your long-lasting peace of mind
Is an Energy-Star Partner*
Is a “Certified Roofing Panel” by the Metal Construction Association. That means only the highest quality metal, paints and coatings were used to manufacture your lifetime roof
Has a 50 year track record of protecting homes around the world
Ask Yourself

Before you install any roof on your home, ask yourself some important questions—

What am I paying in summer cooling costs? Does my home feel hot even though the air conditioner seems to be running all the time?
Do I want a roof that will hold up against extreme weather?
Do I want a product made from 98% recycled material or one that fills the earth after 12-15 years of usefulness?
Do I want a roof that will curl, streak and curl or one that will retain its beauty and color for decades?

Call Bauer Roofing today at (803) 955-0374 to learn more about the federal tax credit for energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing. Visit us at www.bauerroofs.com.

(*Tax credit and Energy Star partner applies to most but not all of our products. Go to the Classic Metal Roofing Systems website or contact Bauer Roofing for more information)

royb

Learn How You Could Receive a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:06:00 -0400

Homeowner’s who invest in the energy efficiency of their house could receive a federal tax credit of up to $1500!

—This is the first of a two part post. Add Bauer Roofing to your RSS feed to learn more about how the 2009 stimulus act could earn you a federal tax credit.—

To Read Part II Click Here

America’s current financial crisis is looming large in the lives of South Carolinians. Stocks, mutual funds, 401-K’s, savings and nest eggs have all taken a major hit with the economic downturn. It seems like even safe investments have all but disappeared.

There is hope

Investing in your home is the safest and best way to plan for the future. A home that is designed for maximum efficiency with minimum work will be an investment that pays dividends in the coming future.

As a part of the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners who choose an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly lifetime aluminum roof from Bauer Roofing can qualify for a federal tax credit. Unlike a tax deduction, a tax credit means an immediate deduction from your taxes—It is an instant savings to you and a lifetime investment in your home!

Call Bauer Roofing today at (803) 955-0374 to learn more about the federal tax credit for energy efficient, environmentally friendly roofing. Visit us at www.bauerroofs.com.

Ventilation is Vital to the Life of Your House

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:51:00 -0400

Like a person, when a house can’t breathe bad things happen. Or you may say it is more like a car: it has intake and exhaust and if one or other is broken the engine shuts down. Quite often we take for granted the “breathing” ability of our house. It isn’t something we think about much.

Let me give a little history of the problem by starting with a statement I hear from homeowners, “Why do I need to ventilate now, the house is 40 years old and it’s been fine all this time?” When houses were built pre-1970’s or so, they could breathe naturally. The windows were drafty, the doors were drafty, the attic was drafty; air moved throughout the whole house and vented everything and no one really thought much about it. But when the “siding and windows” craze started in the 1980’s, all of a sudden all that air movement was cutoff. No longer could the house breathe naturally because the windows were airtight, the doors were airtight and the attic was airtight. A house that had been venting naturally was wrapped so tight that all of the moisture that used to go out through the windows and doors now rises up through the sheetrock into the attic. So what is happening, is the attic space is now required to vent the entire house and has to be modified to do so. If you live in a newer home the modifications have more than likely been made, otherwise you’ll need to make sure they are when the roof is redone.

So what I see, quite often, when I go into an attic is moisture, in forms of mildew or mold. And if you have a cathedral or vaulted ceiling, the problem is compounded a hundred fold. Why? Because the air can’t move up the cathedral ceiling and out the attic vents because of insulation crammed in there. If you have a very low attic space (usually a ranch-style house falls into this category) then you need to pay special attention to the ventilation system in your attic. And if you have a FROG or cathedral (vaulted) ceiling anywhere in the house, then you need to be extra-specially careful about venting your attic space. Again, because of the lack of air movement.

The following pictures are examples of houses that weren’t vented properly:

So, the questions are, what can be done to fix it and how do I know if I have a problem? First of all have a contractor look through your attic spaces thoroughly. I know that very few roofers actually go into the attic and look around to see if there is a problem, but insist that they look and make sure that everything is ok. The last thing you want to do is put a new roof on your house, spends thousands of dollars, and still have the same problem 4 years down the road. It would have been much easier and cheaper in the long run to just get it all fixed at the same time. Secondly, sit down with the contractor and have him explain everything in detail. There are options out there that work and some are cheaper than others. Spend some time getting to know your options. The more you know up front the better prepared you’ll be when it comes down to choosing the right specifications and contractor.

As far as the options go, it depends on the style of house you have. If you have a vaulted or cathedral ceiling than you may need to install baffle vents. If you have a mansard or gambrel style house, you may need baffle vents but you’ll also have to make sure the vents can feed into the main attic up top. Depending on whether you have a gable-style house or a hip-style house, ridge vents or power fans can be used.

The important thing is to make sure that when the house is finished, it can breathe and that air can move fluidly from the intake vents in the soffit out through the ventilation up top. If it can, then it will cut out the chance for mold, mildew and rotten wood.

Find a contractor willing to go over the specifics with you. If he/she doesn’t have the time to make sure you understand exactly what is needed up front than they definitely won’t be around to help you if there is ever problem with the roof they install.

If you live in South Carolina and would like for a representative from Bauer Roofing to take a look at your house then please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form and a representative will call you back.

Roy Bauer

Avoiding Home Repair Fraud

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:36:00 -0400

"Home repair and remodeling complaints rank among the most frequently filed with my office's Consumer Fraud Bureau. ... I urge consumers to make sure they're informed and ask the right questions before they hire a contractor in an effort to avoid this type of fraud." Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan

“Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on good and services, some of which are never delivered, even when there is a signed contract. Home repair work is no different - property owners may sign a contract for work to be done or services provided, but the contractor fails to deliver.” cityofchicago.org

“The need for guidance and protections for consumers extends beyond the disaster zones. [Hurricane] Katrina brought to the surface widespread dangers that can threaten consumers throughout the nation’s quarter-trillion-dollar-a-year home repair industry.
Despite its immensity, the home repair industry consists mainly of thousands of tiny firms that engage in millions of small transactions annually.” National Consumer Law Center

“...Warm Spring weather usually brings a jump in home repair activity and complaints… springtime usually brings a few vicious scams run by out-of-state traveling con-artists. He said such "fly-by-night" perpetrators typically knock on people's doors and offer to do a job at a bargain price, usually saying they have material leftover from another job, such as paint or asphalt for driveways…” Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller

“Having your own home is the American dream. It is your own little corner of the universe. Don’t trust its construction or remodeling to just anybody. As much time and attention should be spent interviewing and researching a prospective builder or remodeler as would be spent searching for a home or automobile or employee… While most residential contractors operate honest businesses, the number one complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Division is regarding home repair fraud.” Home Builders License Board, Alabama.

I met with a lady yesterday, here in Columbia, that was worried about choosing the right roofing contractor. She is a single mother of two who had been taken advantage of by another remodelor. Picking the right shingle and siding color wasn't, to her, as big a deal as picking the right contractor, one she could trust to do the right thing.

Countless times I've sat down with homeowners who have spent hours and hours visiting roofing supply companies and websites looking for the exact shingle and shingle color that they want. But when I ask them how they are going to choose the contractor, they say they called three people out of the phonebook and will just pick the cheapest one. Or either they say they don't know, that they haven't really thought about it. Does that sound familiar? I hope not. Think about it. You can pick the perfect product to be installed on your house, but if the contractor has no idea how to install it, or the company isn't viable and disappears in two years, what good is it?

I heard someone say that if we, as a nation, spent as much time planning our marriage as we did planning our wedding, the divorce rate wouldn't be anywhere near as high. Choosing a roofing company is similar. Make sure you spend a whole heck of alot more time choosing the contractor then you do the product. Because if you get the right contractor, he'll have the right product.

Here are some things to look for when choosing a contractor:

Do they have a permanent place of business?
Do they carry insurance and is the coverage adequate?
Are they a licensed, registered contractor and in good standing with the trade association and Better Business Bureau?
How long have they been in business as the same company? (a lot of roofers close down due to complaints and law suits and open up under another name)
What is their record for complaint resolution?
What is their workmanship warranty? (don’t believe a 10-20 year warranty when the company isn’t even that old)
Do they provide sufficient details for the project being performed?
How do they handle unforeseen or unknown extra costs?
Can they provide references for you to talk to?

Also, how do you know if the price you are paying is fair for what you are getting? Here are some things to look for when determing whether the price is right:

Has the contractor done work in the neighborhood? Nothing will spread faster through a neighborhood then someone ripping people off. If they haven’t worked in the neighborhood then talk to people, with a house like yours, that he has worked for.
Has the contractor done houses similar to yours? Here in South Carolina, like most areas, we have neighborhoods that are twenty-five years old and some that are a hundred. Make sure the contractor has a handle on the specifics of houses like yours or he could be estimating it too high or too low, both are bad.
Make sure you know what is included and what isn’t. Get a price per linear foot or square foot (whether it is a board roof or a plywood roof) up front so you know what to expect if they find something rotten around the chimney. Be leery of roofers who say all of the woodwork is included. Think about it…how is that possible unless they have a crystal ball? What happens if they find more woodwork than they expected? Basically you get screwed because he won’t be doing it.

For a full list of Things to Look For When Buying a New Roof, click here.

Obviously this doesn't ensure you get the right contractor, but it certainly will put you on the right path. If you live here in South Carolina and want us to take a look at your house, give us a call at 803-955-0374, or fill out our simple Request an Estimate Form.

Roy Bauer

New Project: Ranch Style House in Columbia, SC

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:44:00 -0400

Not every home we put a new roof system on requires us to do a lot of woodwork, but most houses have some. The homeowners knew there was potential for some plywood that needed to be replaced --from people walking on it and from the representative from Bauer Roofing inspecting the attic-- so it was no surprise when a few sheets, 5 or 6 to be exact, had to be replaced. As you can see from the pictures, the wood was delaminated --coming un-glued-- in spots and was replaced with new pieces. Also, the ridge vent was causing some rotten wood and problems on the inside of the house, so a different type was installed; one that would would work better, longer.

One of the main concerns was a leak that was coming through the ceiling in the living room. The leak was due to a problem with a furnace vent right smack in the middle of a valley. To aleviate this problem, the vent was sealed and CertainTeed Winterguard (valley-liner) was installed the whole lenghth of the valley. We always install valley liners in areas where water or leaves can collect, causing water to get in the house.

I've included pictures of the house in progress.

If you live in South Carolina and would like for a representative from Bauer Roofing to look at your house, please call us at 803-955-0374 or fill out this simple Estimate Request Form.

Roy Bauer

Current Roofing Project: Northeast Columbia, SC [Update]

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:11:00 -0400

THERE ARE UPDATED PICTURES BELOW FEB. 11, 2009

There are certain neighborhoods in the Midlands area where we have put a roof on what seems like every house on the street. The neighbors all know us because we put a roof on the most of their friend’s homes. Our current project, near Fort Jackson, is one of those neighborhoods. We were working down the street and were asked to look at this house.

The roof was about 20 years old and the homeowner wanted an evaluation. He indicated the plumbing vent pipe on the front had been leaking. So, when the Bauer Roofing representative got up on the roof to look at the shingles, it was evident that not only were the vent pipes leaking but the shingles were cracked and split, and had been for awhile.

We’ve only just begun working on this house but I’ve posted some “work-in-progress” pictures for you to look at.

Notice the Frost? Luckily, we don't get that much here in South Carolina.

[UPDATED PICTURES]

If you would like for a Bauer Roofing Representative to look at your house please give us a call at 803-955-0374 or fill out the simple form on our Estimate Request Page.

Roy Bauer

What Most Roofers Don't Want You To Know

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:52:00 -0400

What Most Roofers Don't Want You To Know, or, How To Ensure You Won’t Be Buying Another Roof 8-12 Years From Now Instead Of Getting The 30 Years Most Roofers Promise

If you have a roof that is in need of repair or replacing –curling shingles, leaking, stains on the ceilings, ugly stains on the roof, granules coming off—then I would like to share with you information that will make sure you get a roof that will actually last 30-50 years.
My name is Roy Bauer and I am the owner of Bauer Roofing. We do something that is unique to this industry: We eliminate the problems most homeowners face when repairing or replacing their roof.
Because the vast majority of roofing contractors in the Midlands area feel like they have to cut the price in order to get the job, they offer customers inferior products and sub-standard specifications that will shorten the lifespan of the roof. Unfortunately, by skimping on quality and specifications, their roofs will only last 8-12 years, instead of the 30 they promised.

There are 4 MAJOR QUALITY SHORTCUTS taken by most roofers….even honest ones.

Not Nailing The Shingles Properly: Improper nailing is the main reason shingles blow off the house, and the homeowner has no idea because it can’t be seen from the ground.
Improper Flashing Around Chimneys, Walls and Dormers: Most homeowners have experienced a leak around their chimney or dormer 3-5 years after the new roof was installed.
Improper Ventilation: Without proper ventilation a house will generate too much heat and moisture, which will cause the wood to buckle and mold to form. Without fail, a roofer will recommend installing a ridge vent –which is seen as a cure all-- never checking to see if that is the best option for your house. Make sure an attic assessment is done.
Improper Deck Preparation: It is vital that the wood the shingles sit on is in good condition. In fact, if the decking (plywood or boards) is not in good condition then the manufacturer will not warranty the shingles if they fail. Make sure the roofer checks, or you are the one that will lose out.

Whose fault is it when your roof only lasts 8-12 years? It’s the roofing contractor’s fault. No one is born with a construction manual in their head, so how can a homeowner be expected to know what the specifications are? At Bauer Roofing we make sure that all of the specifications are followed to the letter and we provide a checklist and warranty that proves it.

If you'd like more information on choosing the right contractor, read this article by Roy Bauer, titled Things To Look For When Buying A New Roof.

For an in-depth evaluation of your roofing needs or to just simply talk with someone who can answer your questions, call 803-955-0374 or fill out a free estimate request form.

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