Welcome to All Pro Roofing

All Pro Roofing comes to your home with 20 plus years of roofing experience. We are a local company you can trust to get the job done right, the first time. You will appreciate the quality; first class experience you will receive when working with All Pro Roofing. We have a leak detection system that makes the estimate and repair process as painless as possible. We always provide Free detailed Estimates, have Industry Leading Warranties and have Financing available for those needing it. If you're looking for a quality roof that will last, and a painless roofing experience, you will want to call All Pro Roofing. When you go with all Pro Roofing, you receive Expert Consultation from Experts you can Trust and a roofing experience that is second to none. Call 904-337-1082.

Monday, May 2, 2016

How Do I Know If I Need A New Roof?

In regards to asphalt shingles in the Southeastern U.S., many people ask me how they can tell if they need a new roof or not. I hear from homeowners things such as: 
- "None of my neighbors have had to have their roof changed yet, so I probably don't either"
- "My roof isn't leaking, so it's fine"
- "My house is only 12 years old and I have 30 year architectural shingles, so I know it's not ready"
These beliefs, and many more, often cause homeowners to wait longer than they should when it comes to re-roofing their home. Let's take a look at each one of these thought processes, and bring logic into the picture.
1) "None of my neighbors have had to have their roof changed yet, so I probably don't either".
The fact of the matter is that most roofs are different from each other. Even when homes of the same floor plan are built in the same neighborhood by the same builder at the same time, each of these individual roofs can age and or perform differently than one another. Here is a sample list of some of the factors that may cause similar roofs to age differently:
a. Different Brands of Shingles.
Sometimes builders will buy whatever is the cheapest product they can get at the start of each home. Different brands can perform and age differently.
b. Different Roof Elevations.
Similarly built homes, even those with the same floor plan, can have different shaped roofs. One might have decorative dormers or gables, while another may be a full hip roof (all eaves are parallel to the ground). Different roof elevations can vent and or hold heat differently. Ventilation is a key factor in the lifespan of a roof.
c. Shade Factors.
Shade trees, properly situated, can help extend the lifespan of a roof by blocking direct sun and heat. In hotter climates, heat can be among the worst of enemies for asphalt shingles. Shade trees that are situated too close to a home, or overhanging the roof, can cause shingles to become deteriorated. Also, there is a risk of falling branches and limbs which can cause severe damage to even the newest of roofs.
2) "My roof isn't leaking, so it's fine"
Leaky roofs are only one of many signs that it is the right time for a re-roof. Think of it this way...You don't wait until you hear metal clanging around in your vehicle's motor before you change the oil, so why would you wait until you have roof leaks before you change your roof? Once a roof begins to have leaks and other problems, your re-roof project will most likely cost you more money than normal, due to rotten wood, wet insulation, deteriorated plaster or drywall, etc. Not to mention, roofing rarely gets less expensive as time goes on. Most likely, the longer you wait, the more it will cost, for many reasons. 
3) "My house is only 12 years old and I have 30 year architectural shingles, so I know it's not ready"
This is a common misconception. The number of years associated with a shingle have much more to do with the warranty rather than the expected lifespan. In fact, there is a good chance that those same "30 year Architectural Shingles" are being marketed by the manufacturer today as "Lifetime Architectural Shingles" , and sometimes with little to no change. Breaking down a shingle warranty; now that's a subject for another time! 
A properly installed roof covering, comprised of a complete manufacturer's "System", proper ventilation, and a well designed roof shape can yield a roof that will last for many years longer than one in which shortcuts are taken and or corners are cut in orderto keep costs down. Everyone wants a good deal, you have to decide what that means to you. Is a good deal a cheap roof that may last 10-15 years?...or one that may cost 20% more but last twice as long with a more complete warranty? Check a Roofing Contractor's credentials. Remember, the best shingle in the whole world won't amount to much if it isn't installed properly. Look for a Contractor who is not only State Certified, but also certified with a reputable shingle manufacturer. Often times, this manufacturer certification will enable your contractor to extend an enhanced warranty to you that may include more complete warranty coverage from the manufacturer rather than that manufacturer's standard warranty. For most Americans, your home is your most valuable investment, treat it that way starting at the top! 


Brian D'Amico
All Pro Roofing & Consulting LLC
(904) 337-1082 Office
(904) 545-0647 Mobile
5771 Mining Terrace
Jacksonville, FL 32257
CCC1327056

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Through the Roof – How to Choose the Right Roofer

By Brian D'Amico
Courtesy of  www.flickr.com

When it comes to choosing the best roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, cost should not be the first consideration.  While everyone wants to save money, when it comes to working on your roof there are a number of considerations to take into consideration besides price. 

Is your roof a lawsuit waiting to happen?

Any time you send someone up a ladder to work on your roof there is a certain amount of liability involved.  If a member of a roofing crew falls off the roof or off a ladder while working on your home, you want to be sure that the contractor and not you is going to be liable.  This means you have to be sure that you ask for and see a contractor’s business license, contractor’s credentials and proof of insurance before they are hired. (Any legitimate roofing company should be able to provide you with proof of workman’s compensation and liability insurance.) The last thing you want to find out after one of the crew has been injured is that you are on the hook for any damages. Also find out who is responsible should the contractor damage your home.  

Courtesy of  mountpleasantgranary.net
Feel free to ask the contractor, whether their crew uses safety harnesses, not to mention how they deal with discarded shingles and roofing nails. The last thing you want to happen is to wind up being injured by walking out your front door only to step on a nail.  Conscientious roofers not only have a protocol for dealing with the jetsam produced as part of the roof removal and replacement, they also should cover your bushes so that they aren’t damaged by any discarded material.  You can learn a lot about a contractor by assessing their attitude concerning the details of the proposed project.  A trip to the garage to cover a punctured tire or to the ER to get a tetanus shot is not the way to learn that your roofer leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to attention to details.

What’s in a name?

Another thing you want to find out before the fact is the roofer’s reputation. In today’s wired world you don’t have to take a contractor’s word for it that they are courteous, prompt and reliable.  You can ascertain this for yourself by searching the Internet for reviews on such sites as Google, LinkedIn, merchant Circle, HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List, to name a few.  Also, be sure to check the contractor’s website for testimonials, particularly video testimonials.  The best way to learn about a contractor is to hear from several customers.  By perusing online reviews, you can learn a great deal about how the company and their crew tackle a roofing project.  If you find either a number of negative reviews, or no reviews at all, this tells you that you should look elsewhere.  After all, it’s all too easy to fold up shop under one name, only to launch a new business under a different name. 

English: Norman, OK, June 22, 2010 -- A roofer...
English: Norman, OK, June 22, 2010 -- A roofer replaces a roof that was damaged by tornadoes in early May, 2010. FEMA is working with local, state, private and federal agencies and businesses to help individuals and business with their recovery. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Once you receive references, take the time to call them.  You want to talk to people who have recently had first-hand experience with a roofer, not someone with whom they did business with several years before.  When talking with previous customers ask them their impressions of the roofer and the crew.  Did they arrive promptly and behave appropriately? Did the crew clean up after themselves on a daily basis, or did they leave the property a complete shambles?  How long did it take them to complete the job?  Don’t assume that the courteous, well-dressed person that gave you a quote is going to be the same person working on your roof.  Many contractors hire sales reps who have no practical experience in roofing other than to take measurements and write up quotes.

The Devil is in the details

Speaking of quotes, what is covered in the project?  You need to know in advance what materials are covered and which is not.  If the roofers upon removing your shingles “discover” that the wood beneath is water damaged or rotted, you could be in for a rude awakening and a sizeable up charge.  A reputable roofer will discuss this possibility in advance based upon the state of your roof as discovered during the inspection (Never accept a quote from any contractor that doesn’t walk your roof.). 
English: Norman, OK, June 22, 2010 -- A roofer...
English: Norman, OK, June 22, 2010 -- A roofer repairs a roof that was damaged by tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma in early May 2010. FEMA is working with local, state, private and federal agencies and businesses to help individuals and business with their recovery. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another thing you want to find out is whether the quote includes such things as flashing, the quality and type of shingles used, as well as fasteners and insulation used beneath the shingles. The types of materials used could mean the difference between a roof that lasts for decades, or one that needs to be replaced in 10 years.  (Better materials cost more, but they are worth it.)

Ask for and read the warranty information concerning your roof.  If your roof springs a leak the first time it rains or one year thereafter, who is responsible and how responsive is your roofer going to be.  Beware of any exclusions written in small print.  They could be used to negate the warranty.  Also, be wary of any contractor that tells you to accept a word-of-mouth warranty. 

You should also ask the contractor such things as: 
  • When and who is going to pull any permits 
  • The projected start and completion dates
  • Work hours
  • The number of workers assigned to the crew
  • Site inspections
  • Suppliers
  • Liens - In most states, a contractor that works on your property has the right to place a lien on it if they are not paid in full. Make sure that all the costs are written in advance so that you aren’t blindsided by a big bill after the job is done.

Once you decide on a roofer to work with, you need to have a detailed contract that defines the job in its entirety.  If there is anything in the contract that makes you feel ill at ease, do not sign on the dotted line until you have complete confidence in the people with whom you are dealing.  Making sure that there are no hidden details that you may have missed is the difference between getting the job done right the first time or having you go through the roof.

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In this article I have provided the reader more than a dozen tips they should follow when hiring a roofing contractor. Following these tips will insure the best possible outcome of the purchase and installation of their new roof.

Brian D’Amico is a partner in All Pro roofing with 20+ years’ experience. He and his crew of roofers provide the best local roofing experience you can get in North East Florida. He is a certified Roofing contractor and can also help homeowner home improvement, home repairs, siding, gutters, WDO, shingles, metal roof, roof leaks, hardy board installation’s (aka Hardie, Hardi).  Let him provide the expertise you need and can trust.

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