Bauer Roofing Blog - Things to Look For

Is Metal Roofing the Right Choice for My House?

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:52:00 -0400

More often than not, when I am meeting with a homeowner to look at their house, I am asked whether a metal roof would be a good option. Metal roofing is gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds and will continue to do so, with no end in sight. But whether or not a metal roof is a good option for you, depends on a few things.

There are some questions you need to consider when making the choice for a new roof system.

How long do you plan on staying in the house?
If not for very long, then is re-sale value important to you?
Do you want the roof to be energy efficient? Are you scared of what energy bills are going to be in a couple of years. At current inflation rates, energy costs are on the rise. Imagine if rate hikes go into effect and inflation goes up.
If you want the roof to cool the house off, then how much?There is a big difference between an aluminum roof and a white asphalt shingle. Both are energy star rated but the efficiency ratings aren't even close. The Energy Star Rating is simply a bare-minimum standard.
Do you care about wind resistance?
Is hail an issue in your area?
Do you want a long lasting roof? Asphalt shingles, on average, where I am, last about 12-15 years. Is re-roofing the house that often okay with you?
Metal roofing can be substantially more expensive than asphalt shingles. Some of the reasons are obvious and some aren't. But keep budget in mind.

There isn't a house I can think of where a metal roof wouldn't be a good option. However, not every homeowner is in a position to take advantage of metal and it's effectiveness.

Think seriously about what you want out of the roof. If it is just a temporary covering for a couple of years and you don't care how hot the attic is, then put an asphalt roof on your home; a metal roof may not be the best option for you. But, if energy savings and long term investments are important to you, then look hard at the benefits of a metal roof system on your home. You won't regret it.

Also, if you want a copy of "A Homeowner's Guide to Roofing", click the link.

Roy Bauer

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)

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

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

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 Project: Roofing and Siding in Columbia, SC

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:07:00 -0400

At this house near the V.A. Hospital in Columbia, we were called because of leaks and mildew that was found in the attic space. Upon the initial inspection, rotten wood was found in the attic and along the eaves under the existing vinyl siding.

After the Ventilation Assessment was done, it was found that the vinyl siding was installed without proper soffit venting and the attic didn’t have adequate exhaust ventilation. This lack of proper venting was causing heat and moisture to build up in the attic space, rotting out the wood and forming mold spores. We removed the existing soffit, which had vents about 12-15 feet apart, and replaced it with vinyl soffit that had continuous soffit venting.

We also removed the two turbines and installed a baffled ridge vent, Shingle Vent II by AirVent, which “kicks” the flow of air up and over the ridge, creating negative pressure that sucks the air out of the house.

The attributes they were looking for in a roofing system were longevity, appearance and fungus resistance. They chose the GAF/Elk Birchwood 50 year shingle. They wanted to make sure they never had to see another roofer again, at least for the forseeable future.

If you are considering installing a new roof, give us a call. Let us come out and evaluate your house as thoroughly as we did this one. Please call us at 803-955-0374 or send us your information on the Request an Estimate 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.

How To Make Sure You Pick The Right Contractor

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:45:00 -0400

If you Google bad contractors you will find about 11,100,000 (as of 12/22/2008) articles that relate to it. Scary isn’t it? Why is it that there are so many people who have had a bad experience with contractors? My accountant once told me that a lot of it had to do with the fact that there is a very low “barrier to entrance” when it comes to contracting in South Carolina. What that means is this: To be a doctor or lawyer or CPA you need years of school and many exams, but to be a contractor you simply need a hardware store close by and $10 for a hammer.

But what makes it even worse for homeowners is the fact that in the winter, the number of so-called roofers in Columbia doubles.

You see, during the summer months and when new housing is at a normal level (right now as everyone knows, new housing is in a slump) there are between 150 and 200 roofers here in Columbia. But, right now there are a whole lot more. Why? Because every siding company, electrical contractor, plumber, kitchen and bath remodeler and builder is doing roofing right now to put food on the table. What does this mean to you? When a contractor is working outside of their core competency, they either have to sub-contract the work out (meaning you have know idea who is actually installing your roof) or they do it badly because they only do roofing a couple months out of the year. Either way, as a homeowner, you get taken. Not to mention they won’t be here in a couple of years if you have a problem. Also, because the vast majority of these part-time roofers 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.

So what can you do? What, as a homeowner, can you do to make sure that you choose a roofing company that will a) install it properly and b) be here in 5-10 years to fix it if there is a problem?

There are some things you can look for. Some key points, that if followed, can greatly increase the chance of getting the right roof installed by the right contractor for the right price. No one wants to pay more than they should for a roof, but you definitely don’t want to pay too little either. Because if you do, you’ll be fixing it every time it rains.

Here are some of the topics discussed in the article:

How do you know if you need a new roof?
What shingle should you choose and should you tear off the old roof?
Is ventilation important and if so, why and what type?
Who should be installing my roof and how do I know they are the right company?
How do I know the price I’m paying is fair for the job I’m getting?

In the article, Things To Look For When Buying A New Roof, all of these questions, and many more, are answered in detail. Study it, and if you have any questions or would like someone to give you an in-depth evaluation of your roofing needs, call 803-955-0374 or go to our free estimate page on our website.

royb

Current Asphalt Roofing Projects (Kilbourne Rd & Cloverdale Rd)

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:04:00 -0400

UPDATE: PICTURES WERE ADDED FOR CLOVERDALE RD. SCROLL DOWN AND CLICK ON THE SLIDESHOW.

Kilbourne Rd

This is a 1950’s ranch style house with 1x8 planks on it. It had a 3-tab shingle on it that was less than 15 years old. The homeowners wanted to install a roof that they wouldn’t have to worry about for next 30+ years, whether they were in the house or decided to sell it. They opted for the Certainteed Landmark Premium and the Weathered Wood color.

There were three things that had to be done before a shingle was ever nailed on.

Remove all of the existing shingles. Upon the initial inspection, leaks were found in many different places.
All of the old felt had to be removed, along with the nails holding both the shingles and felt in place.
The old rotted or broken planks had to be replaced. Also, a good portion of the planks had to be re-nailed.

Here is a picture of the front of the house with the old shingles on it.

Here is a picture of the back of the house with the old shingles on it.

Click here to see the rest of the current installation pictures. More to follow.

Cloverdale Dr

This is a 30+ year old split-level home with 1/2” plywood on it. When the roof was measured, indication of water infiltration was found around the walls, where the split-level is, and around the chimney, which is on the two-story part.

This roof, which had a 3-tab shingle on it, lasted no where near what the homeowner had been told. They decided to go with a roof system that would last 30+ years. They opted for a Certainteed Landmark Shingle in the Colonial Slate color.

Here is a picture of the front of the house with the old shingles on it.

Here is a picture of the back of the house with the old shingles on it.

Click here to see more pictures of this house as it is being installed. More to follow.

Loch Ln

Here is a sneak preview of the house we started this morning (Irmo, SC) I’ll follow with more pictures as they come in.

Front (Before)

Back (Before)

Keep checking back for more pictures.

Roofing Sooner Rather Than Later

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:16:00 -0400

Almost always when I knock on a door this is what the customer says, “We were just curious if we needed a new roof. I’m not sure how old it is, it just looks a little rough.” They go on to say, “Just look at it and let me know what a ballpark figure would be, we may do it now if it is within our budget or we’ll wait until next year, it depends.”

Does any of that sound familiar?

I’ll let you in on a little secret: roofing prices don’t go down. Whatever you pay 3 months from now will be more than today. That happens for two reasons: 1) If you have a leak of any size, it will only get worse. And roofing is a lot cheaper than doing a roof and replacing your ceilings. 2) Shingles have two types of asphalt in them, and asphalt comes from OIL.

Most homeowners don’t realize that shingle prices have just about doubled since March. On a 35 square house that is significant. And that is just the cost of the shingles. Add to it the cost of underlayment, ridge vent (vinyl) and delivery and you see why the sooner you do it the better.

If you have a regular 3-tab shingle and it is older than 15 years it may very well be time to get it done. Once you know you have to have a roof, everyday you procrastinate will cost you money. I know that sounds harsh but it is the truth. Search shingle prices or roofing costs and see what has happened to them.

If you don’t need a roof then this article is not for you. I am talking to those homeowners who are simply waiting for a future arbitrary time to do it. Go a head and get your ducks in a row. Meet with the roofing contractors and make a decision one way or the other. Don’t rush and make a bad decision, but getting roofers out to your home shouldn’t take more than a week, two at the most. If they haven’t called you back or say it will be a month, then move on. If a roofer is a month out to look at your house then there is an internal problem with the roofing company. If he won’t call you back when you are trying to give him money, do you think he’ll call back when there is a warranty claim? Find someone else.

There are fantastic articles on this blog about choosing a roofer. Things to look for When buying a new roof is a great one to begin with.

Spend time with each and every roofer that comes out. Walk around the house with them, go in the attic with them. Find out how they specifically do things. If they won’t meet with you at the house or indicate it isn’t necessary to meet then hang up and move on to the next one. There are plenty of companies out there who care about customer satisfaction and want homeowners to have all of the information possible.

The more time you spend with a roofer the easier it will be to make the right decision.

Go ahead and get it done, what are you waiting for?

Bauer Roofing Blog - Things to Look For

Is Metal Roofing the Right Choice for My House?

What Happens When A House Isn't Vented Properly?

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

Can Asphalt Shingles Qualify for the Energy Tax Credit?

Bauer Roofing: More Than Just Roofing

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!

Ventilation is Vital to the Life of Your House

Avoiding Home Repair Fraud

New Project: Ranch Style House in Columbia, SC

Current Project: Roofing and Siding in Columbia, SC

What Most Roofers Don't Want You To Know

How To Make Sure You Pick The Right Contractor

Current Asphalt Roofing Projects (Kilbourne Rd & Cloverdale Rd)

Roofing Sooner Rather Than Later

Energy Efficient RoofingWhat a Great Idea!