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After reading a very interesting article in The Washington Post, http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-12-04/local/35625084_1_yelp-online-reviews-defamation,

I started thinking more about reviews. As a business owner, I am always thinking about reviews. I try to instill within the company, a mindset of getting reviewed is king. We all want to know when we have done a good job. To a large degree we rely on customer feedback. It can help us identify how we can improve our customer service. In a perfect world, every customer would be completely honest and tell the whole truth, no exceptions (and write us a review when it is favorable). Let?s be realistic, a customer can easily ask for additional work, beyond the scope of the contract, or the scope of the insurance loss sheet, but what happens when a customer is completely unrealistic, and uses the eminent threat of a bad review, as a tool to induce a contractor to provide services outside of the contractual agreement?

I imagine we have all dealt with a customer saying that something was broken during a roof install, only to find out that most contractors take before pictures to safeguard against such claims. I usually prefer to err on the side of?? the customer is always right?. After all, Roofing is extremely competitive and performing to a higher standard can set you apart from your competition (a lucrative position to be in). Even if it costs a few extra dollars to make a customer happy, they will often times reward you with a good review. If the balance of power is swayed in the favor of the, usually economically advantaged contractor, i.e? Eminent threat of a lawsuit for a bad review, it certainly seems to bring us back to square one.

Written by Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

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For more information about ASAP ROOFING, visit http://asaproofing.com/

For more information about ASAP ROOFING, visit http://asaproofing.com/

Roof replacement is one of the best things you can do for your home ? but you probably have questions about the process. For example, you may need to know about ways to maintain a new roof?s integrity and lifespan. Fortunately for you, Able Roof is here with answers for homeowners asking about new roofs, resolving frequently asked questions with advice from expert roofing contractors. We bring more than 35 years of experience to you with these new-roof FAQs:

When Do I Need a New Roof?

Replacing your roof is a big investment, and not one you should delay. Failing to replace your roof when it?s time can lead to thousands of dollars in home repairs from leaky shingles and structural damage. Here are a few signs it?s time for a new roofing system:

• aThere are wet spots on your ceiling, in the attic, or crawl spaces.
• Your chimney?s masonry has cracked.
• aShingles are curled, buckling, missing or broken.
• Your shingles are blistering.
• Shingles are badly aging and missing granules.
• aYou notice signs of roof rot, such as a spongy feeling when you walk on it.
• There is water backup in your eaves.
• Your flashing is damaged, or completely compromised.

Hire professional roofers to inspect your roof thoroughly for signs that it?s time to replace it. Even if you don?t see any signs of damage, a roof that?s too old may be prone to breakdowns. Roofing contractors at Able Roof will give you honest, straightforward advice about when to replace your roof.

How Do I Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?

Once you decide you need a new roof, the most important decision you can make is your contractor. Find a trusted roofing company to avoid harmful contractor scams and get the most out of your money. A new roof isn?t a small investment ? the right contractor can give you a pleasant, rewarding experience and a roof that will last for decades without issue. Doing your research before hiring a roofer can protect you from roofing disasters.

First, ask around for a good roofing contractor. Ask your friends and family members for suggestions, or post the question on social media. Word of mouth is one of the most reliable ways to judge the character of a roofing contractor, since you?re speaking to people who have already worked with the company. Also look at the roofer?s reviews and testimonials from previous customers.

Next, investigate the company itself. Look for manufacturer designations, positive ratings with the Better Business Bureau, and proper licensing and insurance. A contractor without these accreditations or one that refuses to show you licensing is probably a scam artist ? or at least not the best quality contractor on the market.

What New Roofing Options Do I Have?

There are a variety of new roofs to choose from for any style home. You can select your material, color, and style, depending on your needs and personal preferences. Select metal roofing, forged iron, traditional shingles, RoofGuard, and more in an array of stunning colors. View our gallery at Able Roof to see the many roofing options available to you. Our contractors can help you select the perfect roof for your home or commercial building.

Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for New Roof Installation?

If you do need to replace your roof, there are a few small steps you can take for a smooth process. First, remove loose items from your walls and shelves. Hammering up on your roof can sometimes cause enough vibration to make unsecured items fall. Clear your driveway as much as possible and the areas around your home. There is a chance roofing materials could fall into the driveway. Your contractor will also appreciate the extra space for work vehicles and equipment. Able Roof completes most new roofing jobs the very same day for minimal interruption to your life. A quality roofing contractor will take care of the rest ? you just have to sit back and enjoy your brand new roof.

How Long Will My New Roof Last?

Even the best quality roofing system has an expiration date. However, the better your contractor and materials, the longer your investment will last. Typically, 20 years is an acceptable lifespan for a new roof. However, roofs can last longer or not as long depending on the level of maintenance, weather, and original construction. Able Roof provides our customers with a lifetime transferable warranty ? an extremely valuable benefit in today?s housing market.

Compile as Much Information as Possible When Registering the Project

When starting a job, the FiberTite roofing contractor should register it on the FiberTite website to initiate the installation planning process. The website acts as a repository for important details and information regarding a specific roofing job. Type of roofing membrane being installed,atype of products used, if there was any re-roofing or reconstruction done and what substrate type used are some of the initial pieces of information that should be gathered. Then, the information outlining the types of warranties offered for the various membrane and project types should be reviewed with the client. Generally, the square footage of the roofing project will help decide what type of warranty will fit the desired project. The type of roofing membrane combined with the type of warranty will determine what the overall cost of installation will be. After submitting the registration, FiberTite reviews the PreInstallation Notice (PIN) and responds to the contractor with a request for more information or approval.

Follow Up and Provide Reassurance

After a contractor submits a registration, follow up is crucial. I often follow up with the building owners I work with and invite them to experience a FiberTite roofing installation project that?s currently underway. Allowing the building owner to witness the FiberTite installation process firsthand at the job site builds a sense of trust between FiberTite and the client.

Installation

It is important that all current installation instructions furnished by FiberTite are followed, using proper equipment and techniques. Installation tipsaare available to help installation go smoothly.

Extra Quality Assurance

After a roofing membrane is installed, FiberTite sends out a quality assurance inspector. The inspector is responsible for grading a roofing project. Depending on the grade received, there may or may not be additional repairs or changes needed before a warranty is granted.

Quality Warranties

It is important that the building owner takes time to read the warranty and understand it. The true cost of a roof can often be seen in the real value offered by the warranty. Downtime, damage and hassle from a roof failure can cost thousands, proving that performance is more important than the number of years a warranty covers. Points to consider when selecting a roofing membrane and reviewing the warranty.

The Proof Is in the Final Product

I?ve been walking on FiberTite roofs since 1987, and I stand by the trusted process that continues to provide durable roofing membrane installations. Having a foundational understanding of the FiberTite membrane installation process can provide you the reassurance you need before embarking on your next roofing membrane installation.

What do you think is important for a successful roofing membrane installation? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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As summertime approaches, you may start thinking about those notorious Texas thunderstorms that come rolling through. Itaisn?t uncommon for these bouts of serious weather to bring with them heavy rain, high winds, and hail. Hail is a roof?s worst nightmare and can cause some serious damage. After a hailstorm, you should always go up onto your roof for a visual inspection. If you are unable to get onto your roof, call a professional roofing contractor. Here are a few ways that you can identify hail damage and repair it before it turns into a costly catastrophe.

Identifying Hail Damage

Not all hail damage is readily apparent. Sometimes hail damage can be sneaky and cause water damage before you notice any outward damage on your shingles. The first step is to look at the metal flashing or vents on your roof. Hail is more likely to damage the soft metal first before causing your shingles to fail. Sometimes you will see small dents or holes in your shingles. That hail damage can cause water to seep under the shingle, leading to expensive repair if not caught right away. Ifa you notice any of the above, call a professional roofer.

How to Repair Hail Damage

When preparing for a remodeling project or a roof repair, hiring a contractor is not a simple task. It requires research and planning to achieve the desired results. Prior to meeting with a contractor, questions should be formulated and a background check performed to avoid choosing a contractor who has committed any fraudulent acts or deceptive practices. To avoid such an occurrence, set certain criteria that must be met by a roofing company and by which performance and reputation can be evaluated, a few of which are listed below.

Project Planning

Proper planning is vital before starting such a project in order to prevent expensive errors. To decrease the chances of an undesired outcome, be well-prepared by considering some important questions associated with a roofing project:

• Necessity ? Is a new roof really needed or will repairs be enough?
• Materials ? What types of material are going to be used?
• Cost ? What is the typical cost of this type of project?
• Criteria ? What criteria should be used to select the right company, such as possibly license, certifications, years in business, etc.?
• References ? What kind of feedback have previous clients provided on contractors?
• Guarantee ? Does the company provide a material and workmanship guarantee?

After formulating the questions, comprehensive research can then be done to come up with a list of qualified and trustworthy contractors who can deliver quality service and results.

Research

The easiest and fastest way to search for a roofing company is through the internet. Although all information presented is not going to be 100% reliable, it can still be an effective tool to use for visiting blogs and forums to get feedback or for visiting a company?s website to view a portfolio. Besides the information gathered from the internet, referrals from friends, neighbors, etc. is a good way to find a reputable company. Another method is to visit home improvement centers can often provide names of builders.

Interview

The next step is to disqualify any companies unable to do a proper job. Contact any contractors on a final list and set up interviews. Be sure all concerns have been understood and know how the job will be handled; assess whether a good work ethic is displayed. Be sure of proper insurance, necessary licenses and proper certifications; determine if a warranty on workmanship will be offered and how long they have been in business.

There are many contractors available and it can be difficult to determine which ones are trustworthy and reputable. In order to avoid hiring a firm with poor work ethics and inferior workmanship, it is vital to prepare in advance by formulating a plan, researching, and conducting interviews to assess and qualify prospective contractors before any one of them to do the job!

Call Schulte Roofing ? They Are an Exemplary Houston Roof Company!

Do you know which Houston Roof company is best for your roofing project? Contact Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 as they can help every greater Houston area customer with any roofing needs!