How to Get a Roofing Contractor’s License

contractor licenseToday, we provide a general overview of how to get a contractor’s license and to start building a roofing or construction business.

There are many great opportunities to build a strong, profitable company in the building industry. In just the commercial roofing industry, there are billions of dollars spent every year. But there is an essential first step toward building any successful building company: getting a contractor’s license. Contractor license requirements differ from state to state, and the process of becoming a licensed contractor may be unclear because of these differences alone.

However, getting a contractor license can ultimately be reduced to four basic steps: determining your scope of services, requesting and filling out an application, completing required testing, and submitting the licensing application for certification. Here are a few details to keep in mind while doing each step.

Contractor License Requirements

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    1.      Determine the field of work you want to be licensed for. In their laws, states distinguish between different types of contracting work and may offer different licensing for those separate fields of contracting work. For instance, the state of Arkansas has different commercial contracting work classifications called “Heavy Construction”, which includes construction work on mining surfaces and underground facilities, oilfields, tunnels and dams, and more, and “Building Contracting”, which is a comprehensive list of more general construction services, including roofing projects and commercial building remodeling and renovations. In other cases, some states will distinguish between residential and commercial contracting work and then require separate builder licenses for each. Because these classifications – and their licensing requirements—can be extensive, it is best to identify beforehand the scope of the services you will offer. That will help you effectively manage your time.

     

    2.      Request an application and fill it out. Naturally, filling out all of the necessary paperwork is a big step in obtaining licensed certification. An important thing to note— almost all 50 states have basic requirements for applicants. These requirements are the same, if not very much so, across nearly all state laws. Although this is not an exhaustive list, here are some of the requirements:

    • Being at least 18 years of age
    • Evidence of high school education completion or equivalent
    • Evidence of legal residency or citizenship within the United States
    • Documentation of other occupational licenses held within a given state
    • Passport-sized photo documentation of applicant (usually 2 photos required)
    • Company registration with your Secretary of State office
    • Some states require surety bonds and criminal background checks, including fingerprint scanning

    Contractor licensing applications are typically provided by your Secretary of State’s office. Many Secretaries of State have made these applications available for download and/or electronic submittal. Check with your Secretary of State office for more information about the proper state authorities to contact if their office does not handle state licensing.

     

    3.      Complete and pass all required testing. Written examinations are required by many states for tradecraft licensing. For state projects, questionnaires will be required for job bidding. You will be required to pay fees for the written examination, along with other fees required for the roofing contractor license in your state. Written examination fees are typically nonrefundable and can range from $50-100, sometimes more. States also differ in whether or not they allow open-book testing. Some important to details to keep in mind about the written examinations for state licensing are the following:

    • The numbers of the question on the tests vary from state to state. Many states have written exams with 50-150 questions, many if not all are multiple choice or short answering in different formats.
    • Content will be focused on the particular trade you are seeking licensing for. For construction, this can include contract and project management; trade-specific content; financials and tax law information; licensing, estimating, and building; and more.
    • Many states require previous experience specific to the trade you are applying for licensing in, or previous experience in the general classification your trade falls into. An example includes 4 years of construction experience for taking a construction exam. Some states require training courses as well.
    • States differ in how much time they give for testing. Many states offer 3-4 hours to complete the entire test.

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    4.      Submit your application. Once you have finished all of the steps above, it is time to submit your application for review. Make sure that you have filled out all of the sections on your application. Ensuring that all applicable fees have been paid for is essential as well. Fees can include application processing fees, filing fees, testing fees, training course fees, licensing fees, and criminal background fees; they will differ from state to state. Many roofing contractor licenses are good for two years before they expire. If your company has already been licensed in your state of business residence and is looking to perform contracting work in another state, be sure to give yourself plenty of time for your license to be approved. Some construction companies do not allot themselves enough time between when they apply for licensing, complete the requirements, and receive the license before they begin bidding. Always make sure to get your license beforehand so that you cut down on any timing complications or ethical issues.

     

    Need Help Determining Your State’s Contracting License Requirements?

    Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members benefit from shared knowledge, sales and marketing resources, professional connections, and the experience of a larger contractor network.

    If you are interested in commercial roofing, you can learn more about the group and its current membership benefits and support.

     

    4 Critical Social Media Platforms for Roofing Companies

    Today, we briefly examine why social media is important for local roofing companies and 3 social media platforms that roof contractors should be active on.

    Why is Social Media so Important?

    With the Internet, people now have tons of new ways to communicate. Social media platforms have emerged as leading ways for people to interact with each other without the barriers of time or distance. There have never been greater opportunities for engaging prospects and converting them into customers.

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    For roofing contractors, this can be great for acquiring new customers. However, social media may seem like a waste of time. Timing and a contractor’s comfort level with social media could also be other factors. Roofing contractors may feel more comfortable sticking to marketing strategies with which they are familiar. Or they may feel chasing down leads or building up sales is more demanding of their attention. The statistics behind social media usage tell a different story, though. Just consider the following:

    • Approximately 1 out of every 4 minutes spent online is spent on social media.
    • Almost one-half of all Facebook users, which nowadays totals over 1 billion users, log into their Facebook accounts on a daily basis.
    • 56% of Americans have a social media profile.
    • 22% of Americans use social media daily.
    • 64% of Americans say social media affects their purchasing decisions.
    • 47% of Americans say that Facebook is the most influential social media platform on their purchasing decisions.

    Any business that is not engaging these active users is simply missing out on generating free leads. This does not mean that social media should take up lots of time; just that some time and attention can pay off in the long run.

    4 Social Media Platforms for Roofing Contractors

    Now, let us take a look at which social media platforms are great opportunities for roof contractors.

    1. Facebook

    Facebook is perhaps the most important social media platform because of its number of users and how well the pages show up in Google searches. Many contractors who are new to Facebook also find it easier to use than other social media platforms. It is not a bad idea to begin posting content on a weekly basis—start off slow and post content such as pictures or blog posts that explain a part of the roofing industry in clear, plain terms. Gear your content toward your audience—consider how you would see the content if you were in their shoes. Build up your online community on Facebook, and your content will appear with greater frequency in Facebook users’ social feeds. Then you can more fully benefit from your efforts and be more successful in generating leads. Be sure to ask satisfied customers for positive reviews on your Facebook page, too. If you need posting ideas, feel free to reach out as we have a bunch of them!

    2. LinkedIn

    LinkedIn represents a prime opportunity for commercial roof contractors. Because it is a professional social network, interactions on this social media platform will mostly be business-oriented or professionally-oriented. LinkedIn also offers in-depth options for searching for users based on heavily broken down demographics. Among other things, you can search for users based on certain keywords within their profile, users’ job titles, number of employees at a company or place of employment, people located within certain distances of a specific zip code or location, and so much more. Other ways that you can leverage LinkedIn include building a referral network or connecting with other experts in your area. Established, lasting relationships can lead to great future business opportunities, and LinkedIn is prime territory for breaking the ice with key decision-makers and influencers.

    3. Twitter

    Like Facebook, Twitter is the one of the most mainstream social media platforms today. You don’t have as much room for composing messages, or “tweets”, but the opportunities for building relationships with major brands or valuable contacts on this platform can be numerous. Because it is much more “in-the-moment” with its content-sharing than other platforms, Twitter can be a great place for your to share engaging content and have that content be quickly shared by others with their online audiences. Should you be looking to establish key business relationships, Twitter can represent a good opportunity for building a foundation as well. Locate key decision-makers at an organization that could benefit from your roofing services and then build credibility through interactions with them.

    3. YouTube

    Most people don’t think of YouTube as a social media platform, but it certainly deserves a spot on this list. The social side comes from the ability of leaving comments on videos, but the main reason to post on YouTube is for the visibility you can gain from search engines. In addition to the video possibly showing up in a general Google search along with other websites, it’s been proven that having links within a YouTube video back to your own website will help build its favor with the algorithms. Also, it’s important to remember that millions of people use the YouTube search engine when wanting to learn about new things. If a building owner in your area wants to better understand coatings, will you be there on YouTube to show up?

    Interested in learning more about effective social media strategies or great marketing strategies in general? Give us a call today at 800-670-5583, and one of the contractors will be happy to discuss ways our group can give you a whole new level of marketing support and ideas.

    Commercial Roofing Spray Foam Opportunities

    Contractor applying spray polyurethane foam roofingToday, we take a look at the growing demand for “green” construction and how spray foam roofing can help reduce building energy costs. We then examine the market opportunities this creates for commercial roof contractors.

    The Need for Spray Foam Roof Insulation Today

    According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, American energy usage is expected to increase 40 percent by 2025. That increase in consumption corresponds with a rise in demand for “green” nonresidential construction, as commercial and industrial buildings account for a significant portion of the United States’ total energy usage.

    The Freedonia Group, a market research firm, projects that demand for U.S. green building materials will increase 11 percent annually and reach $86.6 billion in 2017. Moreover, the ENERGY STAR® program reports that construction of green buildings has also reached a new high. As EnergyStar.gov relates, “in the United States, the green share of the U.S. nonresidential construction market grew from two percent in 2005 to 44 percent in 2012.”

    Spray foam roofing offers one way to help building owners reduce energy costs. It can be applied to many types of commercial roof systems when the existing roof is a suitable candidate. With its insulating properties and seamless application, a properly designed spray foam roof system can reduce heat transfer and help improve a building’s energy performance.

    Why Spray Foam Roofing?

    Diagram of a spray polyurethane foam roof assemblyWe covered the extensive benefits of spray foam roofing and took a look at spray foam roofing problems in previous blog posts. Spray polyurethane foam roofing has been used as a commercial roofing solution for decades. Its insulating value, seamless application, and renewable service life are among the features that make it attractive for suitable commercial roofing applications.

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    • Reduces heat transfer through the roof assembly, helping lower heating and cooling demands
    • Can help limit air leakage when seams, penetrations, and transitions are properly detailed
    • Creates a seamless, adhered roofing surface
    • Can perform well in a variety of climates when properly designed, installed, and maintained
    • Can be applied to many existing roof surfaces after appropriate inspection and preparation
    • May help reduce sound transmission through the roof assembly
    • Can provide strong wind-uplift resistance when the complete roof assembly is properly designed and installed
    • Can be applied to improve slope and drainage, although underlying drainage problems must still be addressed
    • Requires periodic inspections, maintenance, and recoating to protect the foam and extend its service life
    • Can be paired with a reflective protective coating to reduce solar heat absorption
    • May provide favorable long-term costs when the roof is a suitable candidate and the system is properly maintained

    Not every commercial roof is an appropriate candidate for spray foam. The existing roof should be evaluated for wet insulation, structural deterioration, drainage problems, adhesion concerns, and other conditions before a system is recommended. When the roof is suitable, spray foam can provide contractors with an opportunity to offer building owners an energy-efficient restoration or reroofing option.

    Equipment and Training Considerations

    Spray foam proportioning and application equipmentSpray polyurethane foam roofing requires specialized proportioning and application equipment, along with appropriate training and careful quality control. Contractors entering this market should consider equipment reliability, access to replacement parts, supplier support, material compatibility, worker protection, and the technical requirements of each project.

    Whether a contractor is new to commercial roofing or already experienced, proper training and support are essential. Choice Roof Contractor Group helps members build professional connections, exchange practical knowledge, and receive partner introductions as they evaluate new commercial roofing opportunities.

    Support and Resources for Spray Foam Contractors

    Ready access to technical guidance, equipment service, parts, and supplies can make a significant difference on spray foam projects. Contractors should work with qualified suppliers that understand the equipment and materials being used and can provide reliable support when questions or problems arise.

    Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements and benefit from shared knowledge, sales and marketing resources, professional connections, and the experience of a larger contractor network. Learn more about our nationwide commercial roofing network.

    The Dynamics of Marketing Commercial Roofing Services

    Today, we go over the dynamics of the marketing world for the roofing industry.

    commercial roof marketingMarketing. It is one of those words that roof contractors come across all the time. Despite all of the innovations that have come forward in marketing and advertising, nothing beats the power of word-of-mouth referrals. A stellar reputation for honesty, quality workmanship, and great customer service still goes a long way in any part of the building industry— especially commercial roofing.

    With the timely arrival of new methods of communication, though, interacting with prospects, leads, and customers has become far less difficult. With communication avenues such as social media and texting, the barriers of time and space no longer hold as much sway in whether or not a roofing marketing campaign is effective.

    Consumer surveys now show the power of the Internet in customers’ decision-making process: 98% of Americans say that they look for local businesses online using a search engine. There are 1+ billion active users on Facebook alone in any given month, and every 20 minutes users share 1 million links on Facebook, make 2 million friend requests, and send 3 million messages.

    It is clear that people are interacting on these platforms. With so much “buzz” going on, it makes sense for roofing contractors to be there as well. Otherwise, these missed interaction opportunities mean lost business.

    Roofing Marketing and Opportunities on the Web

    Because so many people are finding these social media platforms and other digital methods of communication so appealing, roofing contractors can take advantage of this hubbub of social activity as well. The foundational principle that stands behind effective marketing strategies with these platforms is no secret, either—to be successful, a roof contractor must simply demonstrate that he is reputable. As is the case with word-of-mouth advertising, reputation is king.

    For solid marketing strategies for roofing contractors, it is optimal to consider the following tips and ideas.

    Three Marketing Tips and Ideas for Roofing Contractors

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      1. Do not ignore the power of having a professional-looking website. Your own website could be your number one source for generating quality leads. Do not be swayed by the promises of “effective” roofing lead generation companies that promise the world but then do not deliver or fall back on their commitments. The best way to attract leads is to show them what you have to offer. A professional-looking website offers that opportunity.

      Make sure that your website is crisp and professional. It should have plenty of quality images that show “before”, “during”, and “after” pictures of your roofing jobs. Make sure that you and your workers are professionally dressed and at work when a photo is taken of your roofing job. Every word on your website should be directed toward informing consumers and enticing them to use your services—elsewise, the wording is not needed. Do not neglect the power of “roofing SEO” either—SEO refers to search engine optimization, or how you get a website at the top of search engines like Google or Yahoo. A well-ranked website can generate lots of free leads who need service immediately.

      2.  Get active on social media like Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. With so many people active on social media, it makes sense for roof contractors to be there as well. It is especially important to become active on Google+. Among many other benefits, being active on Google+ has a direct bearing on how you appear in search rankings on Google, easily the world’s most popular search engine. Google+ social media interactions—and the data behind them—are open to Google’s search ranking algorithms, or the ways Google determines the search rankings of websites. Other social media platforms such as Facebook or Twitter do not make their data as accessible, and therefore do not have as direct an impact.

      Becoming active on social media may seem time-consuming. But it does not take much to start out. Post pictures of roofing jobs weekly. Keep your “followers” engaged by issuing personalized messages during key parts of the year, such as the holidays. We offer more tips for navigating social media and making good use of it in a prior blog post, too. Above all, keep in mind two fundamental principles: demonstrate your work quality and examples of quality service, and engage your followers. Do not post updates about your roofing company alone, but also content that will be educational for your followers. You will build up your credibility more that way and won’t get ignored.

      3.  Learn the ins-and-outs of LinkedIn, and leverage it for full advantage. Yes, LinkedIn is another social media platform. Why does this platform deserve mention by itself? Because it is a gold mine for quality leads. At present, there are over 259 million LinkedIn users from over 200 countries across the globe. Many of those users are in the United States, and LinkedIn is the premier social networking platform for professionals. That means that people who are decision-makers or potential referral partners are on there—and likely actively using it.

      Learn how to use this amazing resource for full benefit. Just consider this tip and the potential it can hold for your marketing alone: check out LinkedIn Groups. There are groups or online communities on LinkedIn that are wholly devoted to particular areas or professional focuses. Find the groups or associations that your customer profile demographics fall into, and join them and engage them with quality, educational content. Take time to build “online relationships”, and you may see more leads coming your way than ever before.

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      Should you want professional marketing support behind your roofing company, you can benefit from our partnership with Top Roof Marketing, the only nationwide marketing firm focused exclusively on commercial roofing contractor marketing. Among other things, their team does SEO, roofing websites, social media, direct mail, and more.

      For other effective roofing marketing ideas, give us a call at 800-670-5583. We will be happy to help you with your needs and show how we support our members with our full-service platform.

      We also offer a free commercial roofing e-book filled with information on how to build and maintain a strong, profitable roofing business.

      The Benefits of a Cool Roof

      cool roof benefit exampleToday we build on prior blog posts about energy-efficient buildings and the role reflective roofing can play in improving building energy performance. One option that has emerged as a way of reducing solar heat absorption is the “cool roof system,” which uses reflective roofing materials to help keep roof surface temperatures lower.

      But how exactly does a cool roof system provide benefits?

      Below, we take a quick look at how a cool roof can benefit building owners and, in some cases, the surrounding environment.

      The Cool Roof and Its Consumer Benefits

      • Cool roofs have high reflectance and emittance values. Reflectance describes how much solar energy a roof reflects, while emittance describes how effectively the roof releases absorbed heat. Cool roofing materials are designed to reflect more solar energy and release more absorbed heat than many darker roof surfaces. As a result, less heat may transfer into the building below, which can reduce cooling demand and improve indoor comfort in some buildings. Actual energy savings depend on climate, insulation, HVAC efficiency, roof construction, building use, and the specific roofing system.
      • Cool roofs may reduce a building’s environmental impact. When a reflective roof helps reduce cooling-related electricity use, it may also reduce the environmental impact associated with that energy consumption. Lower roof surface temperatures can also reduce some forms of temperature-related stress on roofing materials.
      • Cool roofs can contribute to broader heat-reduction strategies. Reflective roofing is one of several approaches that may help reduce heat absorption in developed areas. The effect on local temperatures, air quality, and public health depends on many factors and should not be attributed to any individual roof alone.
      • A cool roof may reduce electricity demand during hot periods. By reducing solar heat gain, a reflective roof may lower cooling demand during some of the hottest parts of the day. Buildings with demand-based or time-of-use electricity pricing may see additional value from reducing energy use during peak periods, although actual savings vary by building and utility rate structure.

      It is clear that a cool roof system can offer meaningful value through lower roof surface temperatures, reduced solar heat absorption, potential cooling-energy savings, and other building-performance benefits. The actual results depend on the roof system, climate, insulation, building use, and other project-specific factors.

      white reflective commercial roof

      Additional Cool Roof Benefits and Considerations

      commercial roof restorationCool roof systems can include reflective membranes, coatings, and other roofing materials designed to reduce solar heat absorption. Some coating-based systems may also be used to restore an existing commercial roof when that roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration.

      A properly selected and installed reflective coating system may provide a continuous protective surface over properly prepared roof areas and help extend the useful life of an existing roof. However, coatings should not be expected to eliminate every future leak, correct serious structural problems, or provide the same performance in every application.

      Before restoration, the roof should be evaluated for wet insulation, structural deterioration, drainage problems, failed seams or penetrations, damaged roofing materials, and other conditions that may need to be corrected first.

      Reflectivity, durability, weather resistance, warranties, maintenance requirements, and expected service life vary by roofing product and system. These characteristics should be evaluated using current manufacturer documentation and the conditions of the specific project.

      A commercial roofing contractor can inspect the existing roof and discuss whether a cool roof coating, repair, restoration, or replacement is appropriate for the building.

      For more information, visit our Cool Roof Systems page.

      The Place of ENERGY STAR® in Determining Cool Roofs

      cool roofToday we build on top of our blog post about “The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Buildings”.

      Cost reduction is a top priority for any business owner or facility manager. With the appearance of energy-efficient building materials in the construction industry, consumer interest has increased in what energy-efficient roofing (or “cool roofs”), among other materials, can do for cutting costs.

      The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) ENERGY STAR® program has been of particular benefit in labeling products and buildings that meet energy-efficiency criteria. But what exactly is the ENERGY STAR® program? And why has it become so relevant in the construction industry? We take a look at some answers below.

      What is ENERGY STAR®?

      According to EnergyStar.gov, ENERGY STAR® is an EPA-established “voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.”

      In its legislation in 2005, the Energy Policy Act, Congress declared ENERGY STAR® to be a “voluntary program to identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary labeling of or other forms of communication about products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards.” Since then, thousands of ENERGY STAR® products and services have been brought to market.

      American consumers and investors have also adopted stronger consumer commitments to energy-efficient products and services. The public’s knowledge of ENERGY STAR® is shown by the fact that approximately 85 percent of the American public today recognizes the program’s blue label.

      “ENERGY STAR Roofs” – Earning Qualification

      energy starFor a product or building to be qualified for the ENERGY STAR® logo, it must meet applicable program requirements, including testing, certification, or verification requirements where required. The ENERGY STAR® program makes use of testing, third-party review, and compliance screening for strengthening consumer trust in qualified products and buildings meeting energy-saving requirements.

      Generally speaking, the program breaks down products and buildings into four categories, with products having its own “Products” category and buildings being broken down into “New Homes”, “Commercial Buildings”, and “Industrial Plants” categories. Over 4.5 billion qualified products have been sold in the program’s 20 years of existence, and at present over 1.4 million new homes and over 20,000 facilities have the program’s blue logo.

      These categories are where the program becomes relevant to the construction industry. Industrial plants must be certified and approved by a professional engineer to meet an energy performance score of 75 or higher. They must also pass an EPA compliance screen test. For qualification, commercial buildings must achieve an energy performance score of 75 or higher on Portfolio Manager, an online tool for measuring building energy efficiency, and be verified by a qualified licensed professional.

      According to the program, around 40 percent of commercial building space is benchmarked for energy efficiency by the program’s Portfolio Manager tool.

      Cool Roofs and Energy-Efficient Buildings

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      • Inspections & leak detection
      • Energy efficient roof systems
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      Since it is the building part closest to the sun, the roof can play an important role in a building’s overall energy performance. Darker roof surfaces generally absorb more solar heat than highly reflective surfaces, which can contribute to higher roof temperatures and greater cooling demand in some buildings and climates. Americans spend almost $40 billion a year cooling their buildings, according to the program.

      For ENERGY STAR® qualification, roofing products must meet applicable solar reflectance requirements, including initial and aged reflectance values. Another consideration in cool-roof performance is a roofing product’s thermal emittance, or its ability to release absorbed heat.

      Reflective roofing products can reduce the amount of solar heat absorbed by the roof. The resulting effect on roof temperature and building cooling demand varies according to climate, insulation, roof construction, HVAC systems, building use, and other conditions.

      Cool Roof Systems

      A variety of roofing products and systems can be used to create reflective roof surfaces. Depending on the existing roof and project requirements, options may include reflective coatings, single-ply membranes, metal roofing, or other materials designed to reduce solar heat absorption.

      When an existing roof is being considered for restoration, it should first be evaluated for wet insulation, structural deterioration, drainage problems, damaged roofing materials, and other conditions that may need to be corrected.

      The potential benefits of a cool roof can include lower roof-surface temperatures and reduced cooling demand in some buildings. Actual energy savings, service life, warranty coverage, and project performance depend on the specific roof system, building, climate, installation, and maintenance conditions.

      When to Inspect a Commercial Roof

      roof-rusting2Over time, all roofs experience wear-and-tear or aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun, inclement weather such as heavy rainstorms, leaks forming from water infiltration between seams—these are just a few of the many factors that take their toll on a roof. When problems with a roof arise—even small ones—they demand a prompt response.

      But the roof is often the last thing on a building owner’s mind. It’s also common for the person in charge of the building to try going without servicing the roof for as long as possible in order to save money. However, if it is to last for its service life or beyond, the roof needs regular inspection and frequent maintenance.

      How often then should a roof be inspected? Below are listed some good steps for action.

      When Should a Roof Be Inspected?

      • A visual inspection of the roof should be done at least twice a year. Roofing studies have documented that a roof will last for only one-half of its life if it is not regularly inspected and maintained. A visual inspection will identify existing roof problems, help determine of any subtle issues are at play, and provide a baseline for a roof’s lifespan. A roofing professional who is well-trained in effective roof inspection practices, diagnostics, and repairs is best-suited for making a good visual inspection. The inspector will also need to be highly familiar with the layout, installation and repair, and types of failure particular to the roof system to be examined. More information about the steps involved in a roof inspection can be found in our prior blog post about roof inspections.
      • In general, roof inspections should be timed before and after seasons of severe weather. Depending on the climate of your area, you should have your roof inspections done once before the period with the most severe weather, and then afterward as well. In northern parts of the United States, it is optimal to schedule inspections before and after the wintertime. In these areas, roofs typically experience the most damage from winter storms and the weight of gathering precipitation. In warmer parts of the United States, it is best to schedule roof inspections before and after the summertime. In hotter weather, a roof expands in response to thermal shock. For gauging the effect of thermal energy on your roof, it is optimal to have roof inspections done before and after the peak heating season.
      • Non-visual inspections such as infrared scans should be completed according to the roof’s unique requirements. Non-visual inspections should never replace visual inspections. However, they can be highly complementary to the visual scan, as they can identify subtle issues such as hard-to-detect leaks, note the presence of moisture below a roof surface, and provide a greater, in-depth look at a roof’s status. These inspections should be timed in coordination with visual inspections so that the building owner and staff have good knowledge of their roof’s condition year-round. However, it is recommended that the roof’s condition and age, as well as factors such as how much foot traffic goes on the roof, be taken into consideration when scheduling non-visual inspections.
      • A roof “housekeeping” schedule will vary depending on the roof system used, but can be as often as a quarterly-to-monthly basis. Some roof systems are engineered for fewer maintenance and upkeep requirements than others available on the market. Conklin roof systems are such an example. However, other roofs require more attention, and the more a roof is maintained, the longer it will last for the long term. In general, experts recommend that a building staff account for a roof’s condition, the presence of any debris, any potential trouble, and other points of consideration on a monthly-to-quarterly basis. Consulting with a qualified, experienced roofing professional about your roof needs is best for determining how often your roof should be minimally examined. Also, be aware that some roof warranties come with inspections in their coverage period. Never settle for relying upon your warranty as an alternative to having your roof regularly inspected and maintained; neglecting to do so may even negate your roof’s warranty coverage.

       

      Call us today at 800-670-5583 to get a free roof estimate. While doing so, do not forget to ask about the non-prorated warranties that cover materials and labor for Conklin roof systems.

      5 Ideas for More Effective Roofing Marketing

      Below, we examine five ways commercial roof contractors can strengthen their roofing marketing for better business promotion. More business promotion means more market exposure, and that means greater chances for “hooking” prospects and leads.

      Steps for More Effective Roofing Marketing

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          • Sign up for Google+ as soon as possible. With roof contractors’ busy schedules, spending time on social media may seem like a waste of time. But Google+ has a strong impact on how much and where a business shows up in search rankings on search engines like Google. As many as 9 out of 10 Americans rely upon the Internet to find out about local businesses, and if you do not have a website or are inactive on social media, you are missing out on free opportunities for generating leads. Our partner, Top Roof Marketing offers some great-but-quick thoughts on why being active on Google+ is so essential.
          • If you are on social media, try to become more active. Your activity on social media does not have to be extensive. At the minimum, posting quality content with website links at least once a week is good. However, as is the case with many other things, the more effort you put into your social media efforts, the more you will get out of it. Post pictures of projects you have completed recently so customers and prospects can see the quality of your work. Posting tips for your customers that will educate them more about your industry will help as well- it will build your reputation as a credible authority, and people will be more likely to approach you about using your services. More tips for social media can be found at our Social Media for Roofing Contractors page. For our nationwide contractor network, we recommend that our members post the content we put out and “like” and “share” this content as much as possible. Doing so helps boost our search rankings more, and that gives our members even more roofing leads, among other exclusive benefits.
          • Educate yourself about what is available for marketing. As the old saying goes, “knowledge is power”, and that is just as true in the roofing industry. Many fly-by-night marketing firms or roofing lead generation companies will offer free “marketing guru” advice that may seem beneficial for your roofing company at first glance. But those marketing strategies may not be all that effective in reality—some marketing firms are just looking to build up their business as much as possible without crafting marketing campaigns that are really tailored to roofing contractors’ needs. When someone approaches you about ideas for things like digital marketing—especially “SEO marketing” and “social media marketing”—being at least aware of what is involved with those strategies will help you discern who is genuinely interested in meeting your needs. Plus, you can learn of ways to take advantage of these marketing tools yourself.

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        • Evaluate your marketing efforts and objectives. Sometimes even established roofing companies need revamping. Start by taking a look at your business objectives for the year- how much do you hope to grow your business by? Think in terms of gross sales revenue for the year as well as quantifiable measures for customer retention and the number of leads brought in. Then take a look at the marketing strategies you are using to get your roofing company’s name out there. Are you doing any advertising? What are you doing for that? What is your Return on Investment (ROI)? Your customer acquisition cost (basically, the overall per-customer cost of methods used to get a lead’s attention and then convert him or her to a customer)? Use objective benchmarks to measure your marketing’s effectiveness, and do not be afraid to turn to new strategies or campaigns for greater possible gains.
        • Look for creative ways to attract leads. This is perhaps the most important and most actionable item of these five suggestions. With the arrival of new marketing tools like LinkedIn, there are many ways in which you can reach out to prospects and attract their attention like never before. LinkedIn in particular represents a great opportunity for commercial roof contractors. Many important decision-makers are active on LinkedIn, including business owners, property managers, and key figures in settings like architecture firms or real estate firms. Because these people are accessible through LinkedIn, it makes sense to use this platform for developing key connections that can lead to commercial roof projects. Be sure to check out and learn more about LinkedIn as a way for generating leads for your commercial roofing company.

        Interested in Learning More?

        Should you be interested in learning more ways you can take your roofing marketing to the next level, call us today at 800-670-5583. Contractor members have direct access to commercial roofing veterans who share how to build a strong, profitable roofing business.

        Why a Roof Maintenance Program is Important

        When a building owner has a commercial roof installed or repaired, thereafter it may become the last thing he or she thinks of. But since a commercial roof is one of the most important components of a building—after all, it protects the building’s interior space and contents from harm—it is important to make sure it remains in tip-top shape.

        For an almost-maintenance-free roof, check out the reasons for why a roof maintenance program is important below.

        Reasons Why a Roof Maintenance Program Is Necessary

        • Regular roof inspections and maintenance mean fewer roof repair or replacement bills. No matter what type of commercial roof you may have, it is likely the roof will encounter problems at some point in time. Common commercial roofing problems include roof leaks, roof punctures or tears, moisture trapped under a roof cover, and others. While these are problems-in-themselves, they can also be indicators of bigger roofing issues at play or that are developing. A regular roof maintenance program will identify signs of trouble before bigger issues arise, helping you cut down on expensive roof repair bills or, if the problems are substantial, cost-heavy roof replacement. That ultimately results in more savings in your pocket.
        • Frequent roof inspections will extend the life of your roof. Because current troubles and future problems are taken care with regular roof maintenance, your roof will be free of roof life-altering complications that would otherwise arise as a result of those problems. In the long run, when your roof does need to be serviced it will be likely to have only small repair needs as a result of your tenacity.
        • A roof maintenance program will identify potential causes of roofing problems. Among other things, sitting pools of water or sitting debris can be causes of roofing problems. A regular roof maintenance program will help you keep your roof free of debris, and help you quickly take care of the ponding water before it affects the roof cover and causes leaks. As is the cause with services in other industries, preventative actions will greatly help in the elimination of sources of roofing trouble.
        • Having your roof regularly inspected will help in making sure skylights are properly secured. If a skylight is unsecure or not well-sealed around its framing edge, leaks can penetrate and dislodge a skylight from the roof cover. In turn, when a skylight is dislodged, rain and debris can enter a building during storms with powerful winds or other extreme weather conditions. Making sure that all skylights are suitably secure and well-sealed in a regular roof inspection plan, therefore, will help you save time and money in costly debris pickup and disposal.

        Choosing a professional roof contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured (or satisfies the professional contractor requirements for the state in which you reside) is best for ensuring that you enjoy the benefits above. We do offer tips for consideration when hiring a roof contractor.

        Should you want a free local roof inspection, give us a call at 800-670-5583.  We will also be happy to discuss the non-prorated warranties covering labor and material costs that back the high-performance, energy-efficient Conklin roof systems we use.

        The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Buildings

        Today, we cover the tremendous benefits offered by energy-efficient buildings. To examine the benefits of these buildings in a fuller light, it would be best to first review what energy efficiency is exactly.

        What is Energy Efficiency?

        green buildingAccording to the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, an operational definition of energy efficiency, or “energy-efficient use”, is the use of less energy for providing or obtaining the same service or good. The U.S. Department of Energy states that energy efficiency is an effective way of “saving money… and reducing pollution.”

        Over its twenty years of existence, the ENERGY STAR® program has become perhaps the most recognized program for certification of products’ energy-saving capabilities. According to the program’s website, ENERGY STAR® is “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency”. Since the program’s introduction in 1992, the public’s awareness of the program and its efforts to promote greater energy savings has grown significantly. At present, approximately 85 percent of the American population recognizes the blue ENERGY STAR® brand logo.

        One area in which the ENERGY STAR® program has exerted influence is in the construction industry. Many building materials have the ENERGY STAR® logo as confirmation of their energy-saving power. In the specific area of energy-efficient construction, building owners who want their buildings to be energy-efficient, if not more so, have opted for the application of energy-efficient building materials on their building properties. These energy-efficient materials have undergone strict third party testing and confirmation of their energy-saving capabilities.

        Currently, over 1.4 million home and 20,000 facilities carry the ENERGY STAR® logo.

        Annual Energy Consumption in the United States

        According to the ENERGY STAR® program, Americans spend almost $40 billion in annual cooling costs on their buildings. That accounts for approximately one-sixth of the electricity generated in the United States. Because cooling expenses have been so high, with the introduction of the ENERGY STAR® program in 1992 came strengthened consumer interest in energy-efficient building materials. Since then, building owners across the United States have turned to energy-efficient building systems as a way for cost containment.

        The ENERGY STAR® program has shown strong dividends in producing greater energy savings and utility cost savings, even on a year-to-year basis. In 2013, with ENERGY STAR®’s assistance “American families and businesses… saved $297 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions”, according to a press release recently issued by the program.

        Energy-Efficient Roofing for Energy Costs Reduction

        In the energy-efficient construction industry, one method that has emerged for making a building more efficient in its energy use is energy-efficient roofing. Like other energy-efficient products, many roof systems have been certified with the ENERGY STAR® logo as third-party confirmation of their energy-saving properties.

        ENERGY STAR®-certified roofing has been found to give tremendous benefits:

        • Capable of reflecting more of the sun’s rays and harmful UV rays than “typical” roofing, especially black asphalt roofs. Some commercial roof systems, such as Conklin roof systems, have been found to be capable of reflecting up to 85% of the sun’s heat and UV rays.
        • Capable of lowering roof surface temperatures by up to 100°.
        • Reducing at-maximum cooling demand by 10-15%.

        With these energy benefits, building owners could see up to 30% cost savings on their annual cooling costs. Conklin’s line of ENERGY STAR®-certified roof systems have been found to do so and also extend an existing roof’s life for up to 40+ years, or even more.

        What Else Do Conklin Roof Systems Provide?

        Aside from tremendous energy benefits, Conklin roofing provides an impenetrable, seamless layer of protection over any existing commercial roof. These roof products can be applied to virtually any commercial roof type without a hassle. They also feature certified resistance against hurricane-grade winds, fire breakouts, and hailstorms. A building’s structural support is reinforced by Conklin roofing products, but without any deadweight added. Plus, Conklin’s products are elastomeric, meaning that they contract and expand with temperature changes.

        When they are applied over an existing roof, Conklin roof restoration products feature a highly reflective surface that gives the roofing its energy-saving capabilities. That is what makes a building energy-efficient for the long run. In fact, the energy savings that Conklin products give can be so tremendous, they pay for themselves in recouped energy cost savings in just five to seven years.

        Conklin roof products are also the only roofing materials backed by non-prorated warranties that cover labor and material costs for up to 20 years. Contractors warranty the labor, and as the manufacturer Conklin warranties the materials used.

        Should you be interested in learning how to make your building energy efficient with Conklin roofing products, call us today at 800-670-5583. We will be happy to give you a free roof estimate as well.