Questions to Ask to find the Best Roofing Company

5 Must Ask Questions For a Roofing Contractor

If you’re looking for a roof repair or replacement, you can only hire the most qualified company if you spend time interviewing prospective roofers. It’s advisable to create a list of relevant questions in advance so you can evaluate their answers. Here are five must-ask questions for a roofing contractor.

1. What’s The Roofer’s Experience?

Roofing jobs are best accomplished by experienced personnel. Homeowners want to trust their roofing tasks to people who have the skills, knowledge, certifications, and commitment required to complete the repairs, replacement, and maintenance of their roofs. An inexperienced person is more likely to disappoint in the quality of their work than an experienced person.
Technological advancements and the internet have made the search for roofing companies easier. In New Jersey, homeowners can search and find experienced and licensed roofers, and GDC Contracting Inc meets all the qualifications. Homeowners can avoid the anxiety and headaches of hiring incompetent staff by working with the market’s best roofers. Homeowners can also rest assured that GDC roofing experts have the necessary experience to complete both commercial and residential roofing tasks.

2. Are You Looking For a Local Contractor?

If you’re looking for roofing contractors from your area, you should limit your search to the best local contractors. You may have heard of one by word of mouth or from an online source. However, it would help if you researched extensively to find a contractor who meets your specific needs.
Searching for contractors locally is faster and efficient. You’ll not run short of local roofing services when you search online. GDC roofing experts are among the professional roofers who will meet all your requirements.

3. Does the Roofing Company Have Positive Reviews Online?

A simple way to determine whether a roofing company has a good reputation is by looking at client reviews. Consumer review sites, Home adviser sites, social media, and search engines are some of the online sources where you’ll get reviews regarding a professional contractor. Currently, a significant percentage of roofing contractors, including GDC, have a portion of their website that allows customers to comment on and review their services. All these online sources can help you determine the reputation or rating of their services.

4. Is The Roofer Certified To Install The New Roof

It would be best if you worked with a roofing contractor who bears the credentials to undertake a roofing job regardless of its size and who can complete the job in time and with the courtesy and professional ethics required. A simple internet search will help you find a contractor with the appropriate certifications, permits, licenses, and insurance. Awards of excellence are an added advantage and will guarantee quality artistry. GDC is fully certified in all the areas of roofing and will complete your roofing job successfully.

5. What Is The Duration of the Roof Warranty and What Features Does It Have?

Roofing warranties have two types of coverage. There’s one coverage for errors in workmanship and another for material and manufacturing flaws. Consulting a contractor through GDC will help you understand the features in the roofing warranty. Many warranties have a range of applications covering shingles and accessory use. There are also application choices that include processes. A warranty may last for up to 10 years, depending on the type of shingles, accessories, and the application process.

In Conclusion

Finding a reputable roofer can be a daunting task if you don’t know what to look for. References from relatives and friends can be valuable during your search. You should also check online reviews to determine the professional’s reputation. You can get detailed answers to these five questions presented here by calling GDC Contracting Inc. One of their customer care agents will respond to your queries. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief after realizing that GDC Contracting Inc is one of the most reliable roofing companies. And even if you don’t choose us as the best roofing company for you, we always encourage customers to be equipped with the right tools to make the best decisions for themselves. So whether you choose us or someone else, do follow this guide to help inform your decisions.

Deck Remodel

Need an excuse for a new deck? Here are the Top 5 reasons for a deck remodel

Are you dreading entertaining on your deck this season? Is it too small or dull and dingy looking? If you want to make the most of your outdoor space this spring and summer maybe it’s time for a deck remodel. Think about how enjoyable the upcoming season would be with a nice, newly upgraded deck. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider each remodeling your deck today.

Increase size

Most home come with a standard deck size that maybe just big enough for a small table and a grill be little else. However if you are looking to maximize your outdoor space increasing, the size of your deck is a great solution. You can continue your living space right out onto your deck. Your new deck will become an extension of your home.

Spending more time outside

A great way to spend some extra time outside relaxing and enjoying nature is to hang out on your deck. If you have a small deck or a deck that is in disrepair remodeling it to a better condition will make you want to spend time outside.

Add new features

Why not add a built-in seating or a fire pit? With the deck remodel you can have it all even, a spot just for your grilling and cooking area. A great upgrade is to add a water feature. The soothing sounds will relax you even on the most frantic of days.

Safety

The most important reason to remodel your deck is to bring it up to safety codes. If your deck is old the footings could be rotting or the material could be splintering. Newer decking materials made of composite decking materials are a great improvement. You won’t have to worry about staining or sealing and your deck will be more secure and functional.

Entertaining

Barbecue season is upon us and there’s nothing better than hosting a party in your own backyard. Your deck’s current condition could be preventing you from having all of this fun. Upgrade your deck now and you will be ready to host the next gathering.

There are no downsides to having your deck remodeled. Don’t wait any longer to enjoy all that your upgraded outdoor space has to offer. Call the deck remodeling experts at GDC Contracting today to get started on your upgraded deck.

New Roof vs. Re-Roof

Do I need a new roof or can I re-roof?

If you are having roofing issues or your shingles are becoming unsightly you may be considering a new roof. New roof installation can be pricey however there are a couple of options. Depending on the condition of your current roof you may be able to re-roof instead. Knowing the difference between a new roof as opposed to a re-roof will help you proceed.

New roof

If your home it needs a whole new roof this means that the current roofing material will be fully removed and the wood base will be inspected and repaired if necessary. A brand-new roof can last about 20 years without major problems. However the lifespan of your roof is based on how harsh weather conditions are and how well you maintain your roof. Inspecting the roof regularly for damage such as moisture will help.

The shape of your shingles is important because any curling or dimpling on the edges could indicate that moisture is being retained. If the shingles have missing parts or cracks this can lead to major problems with water leakage. If you have significant shingle damage you will most likely need a new roof.

Also if your shingles have moss or mold growing on them they will need to be replaced immediately. Discolored shingles or any dark streaks in your roof could mean that algae is starting to form which means that there is water leakage. Any type of algae or growth holds in moisture and causes major roof damage. Any presence of growth indicates that you need to have your shingles replaced.

Re-Roof

If your roof is in decent condition then you could be eligible for re-roofing. This process takes much less time and is less expensive than getting a whole new roof. If your roof has only one layer of shingles then re-roofing is possible by adding a second layer. There are a few important factors to keep in mind before choosing to re-roof.

You must not have any visible shingle damage or moss or algae growth on your current roof. If this is the case you need to have your roof repaired and replaced. Also your current shingles need to be flat and not curled up on the edges in order to place a new flat layer of shingles on top. If you have just a couple of areas on your current roof that need repair it may be possible to repair the small areas and then re-roof.

Keep in mind that it is impossible to check for major roofing damage when you re-roof as opposed to getting a new roof. You could be covering up damage that will only lead to larger problems. The layering of shingles could also hinder airflow which can affect your HVAC bills. Initially re-roofing will save you money however in the long run if you go with a full roof replacement you will have peace of mind for many years.

A professional roofer can help you make this decision. Call the experts at GDC Contracting Inc. today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional roofers to determine what’s best for your home.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Why You Should Use Asphalt Shingles

One of the most commonly used materials for roofing is asphalt. Professionally installed asphalt shingles look great on any roof. With asphalt you are getting a quality, long lasting product and you will have many options of color. It is designs for all types of budgetary needs. If you are in need of new roofing or if you have a current asphalt roof there are some pros and cons that you should know about asphalt shingle roofing.

Pros

Fire Rating

The highest fire rating available in shingles is Class A. Fiberglass-backed shingles are designed with a Class A rating. This is an important feature to consider for your home. No one wants to think about a fire in their home; however the right shingles would provide you with piece of mind when it comes to fire safety.

Budget Friendly

If you are looking for a great value for your money, then asphalt shingles are the way to go. Without compromising quality, asphalt shingles are available for a variety of budgets. You will also have a large variety of color options as well.

Long Lasting

When you choose a thicker variety of shingles in a premium product you will have a longer roof life expectancy. A thicker more substantial product will naturally last longer than a thinner piece of material.

Installation

Another plus to asphalt shingles is the installation process. Asphalt shingles are pretty straightforward to install. The installation is less time consuming compared to other more complex types of roofing. With this straightforward installation process, you will likely save on installation costs.

Cons

Hail Damage

Every winter we have weather predictions of hail. Some predictions turn into actual storms and some do not. When hail hits your roof it will leave dents and dings that can compromise the structure and can cause cracks which can lead to leaks. The higher grade of shingle you purchase however will cause less damage.

Degrade

One of the few downsides to asphalt shingles is that over time the material can degrade. Exposure to sunlight, walking on the roof for repairs or gutter cleaning and cleaning your roof of snow every year will remove some of the granules that protect the asphalt layer. If you choose the premium shingles over the less expensive, thinner variety, your roof will last longer. However, asphalt roofing is not a forever roof; it will need to be replaced eventually.

If you are looking for a budget friendly, quality roofing product, then asphalt shingles are the way to go. With a large variety of options for any roofing design and very few downsides asphalt is a tried and true product. When you are ready to install a new roof or if you have any other roofing needs, call the professionals at GDC Contracting Inc. Our 53 years of experience and expertise will help you get the best roof for your needs. Best Roofer in Paramus NJ!

How Can You Tell When You Need a New Roof?

5 Tell Tale Signs you Need a New Roof

As a homeowner, you already know that preventative maintenance is required to help keep your home in tip top shape, but when should these repairs be made? Often, the average homeowner does not know the warning signs to look for before something turns from a minor issue into a major disaster. This task is made even more difficult when dealing with your roof. Knowing when you need a new roof is no different. Not only is it often neglected as it is hard to see from ground level, but to inspect it requires climbing a shaky ladder. Many times small leaks remain undetected until the owner notices a stain on the ceiling. Here is a list of what to look for before you need to start catching drips in a bucket during the next rain storm.

Shingle Shape

Are the shingles on your roof curling or peeling? While shingles on your roof have a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years, areas exposed to direct sunlight for long periods will age faster. If your shingles are curling and losing their protective granules this is a sign they are nearing the end of their projected use. It may signify that your roof may not be properly vented retaining too much heat, or possibly has a leaking issue that is causing the roof decking to buckle.

Missing Shingles

If you are missing shingles, especially in the valley areas, then this is another reason that you may be in need of a new roof. Valleys are an important aspect of the roofing dynamic, draining water and snow off your roof and into your gutters. If this valley area is compromised then you may be in need of a new roof.

Moisture

When you are on your roof and you feel sponginess when you walk, then this may mean that your decking has become damaged by moisture entry. Check inside of your attic to see if there is any visible daylight coming through, or if there is any wetness on the interior rafters or insulation. If any discoloration appears in your shingles, this may also be a sign your roof is in need of repair and should be inspected by a qualified roofer. Remember, water runs down hill and will not always appear directly under the affected shingle, so close and professional inspection may be required to find where the leak has occurred.

Shingle Granules

If your gutters are loaded up with granules from your shingles this means your roof may be nearing the end of its life cycle. As shingles age, the tar that holds the protective granules to the surface gets dry and brittle and they easily wash off into the gutters. Losing this layer allows water to penetrate the shingle and enter the house.

Flashing

Chimney flashing or other areas where exhaust pipes protrude is another area to be concerned with when it comes to sealing up your existing roof. Often this is only done with roofing cement or tar, which will age and crack over time. If this is the case, water will enter the dwelling where the chimney exits causing damage to the interior. This should be replaced with a long term, water tight metal flashing.

The roof is the most important component of your house, without a sealed roofing system then all other areas will eventually take damage. Knowing the signs to look for in the beginning will help you prevent major damage from occurring later. The experts at GDC Contracting INC in Westwood, NJ can provide you with a free estimate and walk your roof looking for signs that may not be visible from the ground. Call us today!