The last few days I have been receiving information on roofing new products.  CertainTeed Manufacturing is now offering a reflective shingle that qualifies for the $1500 tax credit.  Before, the only color that was reflective and "cooler" was bright white.  Their new product is reflective and yet you can get it in many of the most popular darker colors.  I am hearing about a shingle that will be introduced soon that will generate electricity.  You will be able to assist your energy needs with this roof product.  I have not heard what the price is or the payback time.  When I do, I will let you know.

I began to think about how quickly innovation is changing our lives.  Who would have thought, only a few years ago, that a roofing company would be able to have a live radar at every job site.  We use wireless internet. I can't tell you the times I have called one of our foremen to let him know rain was moving his direction.  Who would have thought that we would be able to look at a roof system while on the phone with a customer and talk about issues with them in real time.  We look at and measure many roof systems with an internet system we now have the rights to.  New improved felt, nails, starters, venting, it goes on and on.

The one thing that has not changed, or ever will if I have my way, is the personal care we take when replacing a roof.  All the things I have shared with you above mean nothing if we do not have the skill to install the materials properly.  The heart of a craftsman is required for you to get the best roof system.  Our making sure that the materials are installed correctly and your home or business is protected from damage.  We all tend to look at the big picture but it is really a multitude of little steps that determines the outcome.  As I write this on a overcast, rainy morning, I am pleased to report our phones are not ringing with unhappy customers who's new roofs have leaks. 

Reward enough!

Bill

Almost everyday I visit with homeowners, and I have become convinced that our job at Freedom Exteriors is to, as much as anything, help protect our homeowner clients from costly mistakes. Information and education is the key.  Because of this, we spend a lot of time covering the details of each client's project.  If you go to buy almost anything, you probably will get some idea of the product's features and how they will benefit you.  Why is new siding, windows, or roofing any different?  Although each of our products have different features and benefits, they all must be aproached from the same point of view;  what are you getting and how will it be installed.

Let's talk about installation for a moment.  Here are some things to know before you allow a home improvement company to work on your home. 

1. Are they a local company? 
2. How long have they been in business? 
3. Do they belong to the BBB? 
4. Do they have supplier references? 
5. Do they have customer references? 
6. Can they prove they are licensed with the State of Arkansas? 
7. Can they show you their General Liability insurance limits? 
8. Can they show you their Worker Comp insurance and limits? 
9. Can they give you addresses of completed work? 
10. Do they have a business address (not a home address) and a business phone number (not a cell phone number)? 
11. Does their contract have exactly what they are going to do for you and the names of the material they are going to use?  (if the details are vague, there is a reason and it is not in your favor) 
12. How do they look, are they wearing company identifed clothing, is their truck identified with company information, were they on time? 
13. Did they ask what you are wanting to do? 
14. Did they spend time looking at the issues in question? ( inspect the roof, measure the siding, inspect the inside seals of the windows, etc) 

If a company can't respond to the above questions, you have to ask if they are the best company for the job.  It is important for me that homeowners get the necessary information to be confident in making that important decision about who is going to do the work.   If you have questions of any kind, let us know and we will get you the correct information you need.

Over the next few months, I will be sharing additional thoughts about these and other issues in this forum.  Call me, let me know what information you need and I will share it with all who view this site.

Bill Gentry