Out of Town Roofers?

Here's a news report from outside of our area. Do you think Kansas City isn't facing the same kind of problem?

Here are our hints for avoiding stormchasers:

• Just like the reporter said, don't get hustled into making a quick decision and paying up front. 
• Make sure your roofers have harnesses, insurance, and full licensing. We follow all OSHA regulations so you never have to worry -- don't work with anyone who can't say the same. 
• Research the company before you commit. Bill West Roofing has been working in the Kansas City area for nearly 35 years. We're not going anywhere. If you need us tomorrow or next year, you can give us a call. 

If you're in Grain Valley, Blue Springs, Johnson County, or anywhere in the Kansas City area, contact Bill West Roofing  and let us fix your roof safely and securely.

While repairing your roof without professional guidance may cut costs in the short term, it’s not always a long-term fix.

If your roof needs some repairs, do some research to administer a proper fix. If you have any questions or are uncomfortable, seek the guidance of a qualified roofing contractor so you don’t make common roofing mistakes.

Homeowners often make errors, unknowingly, when they make routine repairs to their roof. Recognizing the problems and correcting them can keep your roof in top-shape condition, and safe from the spring elements.

Inadequate fastening

Nails and fasteners that keep the roof deck together and the shingle roofing adhered to the deck can be a sign of sub-par installation, and can pierce the shingles. Remove the loose or mislaid nails and replace with new. Use up to six nails per shingle, laid right under the seal-down strip of the shingle. Replace cracked shingles at this time.

Shingle roof selection problems

Choosing a shingle that has a continuous seal-down strip can contribute to leaks. Select a shingle product that has breaks in the adhesive between each strip; this prohibits water from seeping under the shingle. When repairing roofs with valleys, make sure to add flashing at the angle to prevent water damage.

Flashing problems

Metal flashing is used to stop water from seeping in around chimneys, valleys, windows and skylights. The misplacement of flashing can create leaks. Chimney flashing must be set into mortar to serve its purpose; repairing with caulk is a common mistake. Misalignment of step flashing is also common. Flashing pieces should overlap approximately 2 inches and be fastened with just one nail in the upper corner.

TAMKO Roofing Materials

At Bill West Roofing, we believe in using the best materials. We've been around for more than 35 years, so you can see that we take the long view.

One of the suppliers we depend on is TAMKO. TAMKO is a Missouri company just like us. They started out in the late 1940s in Joplin, planning to have a presence in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. That's where the name came from.

By now, TAMKO has a national presence, and is one of the top suppliers of roofing materials. They offer lots of different colors and types of materials. One of the newest items is roofing material designed to keep your home cool. By choosing light colors (TAMKO has tested and certified the specific colors that work best) you can save a bundle on your air conditioning costs this summer.

Call us to ask about cool roofs.

Three tips on Roofing Quotes.

Whether you are in need of a roofing repair, or need a completely new roof installation. Having a well prepared roofing quote will give you confidence you have selected the best roofing company for the job. Below are three tips that every homeowner should read before choosing a roofer.

1. Estimates are Free
2. Roof Inspection
3. Prepared Proposal

1. Estimates are Free: Legitimate roofers will offer a free estimate. If you are solicited for payment to have your roof reviewed prior to signing an agreement, then you should view this as a red flag. Preparing a free quote is part of the sales process. If you receive a quote from more than one roof, then you’ll notice that not all roof inspections are equal.

2. Roof Inspection: It is very simple–you can’t provide a roofing quote if you don’t inspect the roof. The more time that is spent inspecting your roof, the better estimate you’ll be provided with. If the person performing the quote doesn’t arrive with a ladder… red flag! A roof inspection should include taking the time to fully inspect the roof. This means climbing up on the roof and checking the attic from the inside. While the inspector is on the roof he should be taking accurate measurements to determine how much roofing surface is present on your home. He also should be assessing for damage. For example he should check skylights, attic vents, chimney caps and pans, flashing, gutters, etc. This all help ensure you are provided with an accurate, comprehensive roofing quote.

3. Prepared Proposal: We’ve found when most homeowners are referencing a roofing quote, they really mean they want a prepared roofing proposal. Your roofing proposal should be specific to your home and should incorporate the observations of the roof inspection. The roofing proposal should provide the details of the job and include estimated costs. When reviewing a proposal make sure it has the product options broken out by brand name and includes an itemized listing of services and prices.

The next time you are looking for roofing quotes, make sure to consider these three tips. Make sure the estimate is free, the inspection is thorough, and the quote / proposal are actionable and the pricing will be honored based on the specific needs of your roof.