Roofing Contracting Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Roof repair & improvement services can be complex throughout the entire process, but Good News Roofing makes it a priority of streamlining your roof's issues, starting with some commonly asked questions and answers specific to Central Texas residents.
Have Some Questions About Your South Austin Roof repair?
Below are some questions which are regularly asked by our roofing customers before hiring Good News Roofing services.
These topics are updated frequently to answer a few thoughts you may have before giving us a call, but in case your specific need isn't addressed, feel free to call us for a free consultation!
How long can you finance a roof for?
Loan terms are going to vary by lender. Shorter loan terms mean you pay off the debt sooner, and likely pay less interest, but longer loan terms ensure your monthly payment is lower and more affordable.
While you might pay slightly more interest over the long run, many homeowners choose a 120-month term or longer to ensure payments remain within their budget.
Payment plans vary according to requirements, interest rates, and terms, so it’s important to ask the roofing contractor you have in mind for more details about roof financing.
Can my insurance fully pay for a new roof?
It depends on your policy and the circumstances surrounding why you need a new roof. If it’s because of a weather-related event, then homeowner’s insurance coverage might apply. But if you’re just looking to replace it because of age or to up its resale value, homeowner’s insurance likely wouldn’t assist with the cost.
How often should I get my roof inspected?
To ensure the longevity and safety of your home in Austin, Texas, it's crucial to schedule a roof inspection every one to two years. This regular maintenance helps in averting unforeseen damages often caused by Austin's notorious heavy winds or hailstorms. Statistics show that Austin experiences significant hail events, sometimes unexpectedly overnight, leaving homeowners unaware of potential roof damage. Regular inspections are essential for identifying these hidden damages.
Professional roofers in Austin often conduct comprehensive evaluations, such as a 12 to 20 point inspection, to assess your roof's condition. This thorough check helps determine if your roof is in prime condition or if it requires urgent attention, be it a repair or a full replacement. For residents of Austin and surrounding areas in Central Texas, it's wise to stay proactive about roof maintenance given the region's weather patterns.
If you're ready to schedule an inspection, our local Austin roofing experts are just a phone call away, or you can easily set up an appointment through our website. We hope this information is helpful and addresses your concerns about roof maintenance in the Austin area.
How do I check my roof for damage to know if it needs fixing?
Identifying storm damage on your roof is a crucial aspect of home maintenance. For homeowners, the simplest initial step is to visually inspect the roof. Step outside and from a safe distance, perhaps from your sidewalk, look up at your roof. The most apparent sign of storm damage is missing shingles or tiles. This type of damage is easily noticeable and often the first indicator of a roof impacted by severe weather.
Missing shingles are a clear sign, but hail damage can be more subtle and challenging to detect. If you have binoculars, use them to closely examine your roof for any black spots or dimpled areas. These marks are typical indicators of hail damage. According to roofing industry statistics, hail damage is often overlooked because its signs are less obvious, yet it can lead to significant roof deterioration over time.
For a thorough assessment, consider contacting a professional roofing inspector. They are equipped with the expertise to identify not just obvious damages but also the subtler signs of weather impact. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are essential, especially in areas prone to severe weather, to ensure the longevity and safety of your home.
How do I compare and decide on which roofing contractor to hire?
When selecting a roofer in Austin, TX, there are several critical factors to consider. Make sure that your roofer is experienced and can obtain the necessary permits, ensuring compliance with Austin's city codes and standards. Without these permits, you could face complications during or after the roofing project.
Another vital aspect is insurance. It's essential to confirm that your chosen roofing contractor in Austin carries the appropriate insurance. This protects you from liability and ensures a professional handling of any unforeseen issues.
Research is key. Investigate the roofer's reputation, reviews, and past work in the Austin area. This step is crucial in understanding their level of expertise and customer satisfaction.Also, inquire about warranties. In the Austin roofing market, warranties can range from a five-year workmanship warranty to some extending up to 15 years. This aspect is crucial for long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.
Lastly, the importance of a detailed quote cannot be overstated. A reputable Austin roofer should provide a comprehensive, itemized quote, clarifying the scope of work, materials to be used, and the cost breakdown. This transparency is essential for avoiding surprises and ensuring quality work on your roof.
In conclusion, when choosing a roofing contractor in Austin, opt for one who offers a detailed quote and meets all these critical criteria to ensure a professional, reliable, and compliant roofing project.
What are some common signs of a scam roofing company?
Knowing how to identify a 'fly by night' roofer is particularly relevant for homeowners in Austin, TX. A 'fly by night' roofer typically refers to a roofing company that operates transiently, often coming from out of state or city, with the primary goal of making quick profits. Spotting such companies is crucial to protect yourself from potential scams or subpar roofing services.
One telltale sign is the area code on their trucks. If it's not a local Austin area code, this could be a red flag. Another major warning sign for Austin homeowners is if the roofing contractor offers to cover your insurance deductible. This practice is not only illegal in Texas but also implies that the costs might be covertly added to your bill later. Essentially, if a contractor is willing to cover your deductible, often amounting to thousands of dollars, you might end up compensating for this through reduced quality or hidden charges.
Lastly, be wary of any roofing contractor, especially those not established in the Austin area, who requests a large down payment before starting the work. This is often a tactic used by transient companies to secure quick money without guaranteeing quality work or completion.
For Austin residents, it's crucial to choose a reputable, local roofing company that adheres to Texas laws and provides transparent, quality services without hidden costs or unethical practices.
What type and brand of roof shingle will you be installing?
We typically install Atlas brand, 50 Year Architectural Class 3 Impact Resistant shingles of up to 1.5” hail, however we can install any brand of your choice.
Will you provide a written proposal that is detailed and lists roofing components that you will be installing or replacing?
Yes, our proposal will list all of the components that we will be installing.
Will you be obtaining relevant city permits?
Yes, if your city requires them.
Are your roofer’s employees or subcontracted crews? Do they work only for you? How many people are on your crew?
Our roofers only work with us exclusively and there are 6-8 men on our crew. We have had the same crew since 2009.
How is communication handled? Is there one person assigned to my roofing project, a point person who I can call and talk with about my concerns before, during, and after the job?
Your Project Manager will be the point of contact at all times. Our office can also be reached at 512-630-1440.
How do you handle the unexpected discovery of bad wood that needs to be replaced?
We will remove all bad decking and rotted wood as needed to ensure all components and the installation is sound and complete. We will inform you of these areas if we find them to maintain excellent communication.
What is your warranty on roofer workmanship? What is the warranty on the roof materials used?
We provide a 5 year warranty on our labor and Atlas provides a limited lifetime warranty on materials for 15 Years, which prorates each year that follows.
Do you have roofing general liability insurance?
Yes, our company is insured for your protection.
Do you have experience working with insurance companies and their roofing policy coverage? If you have questions concerning their estimate, will you contact them directly, reconcile differences in the scope of work or cost?
We work well with all insurance companies, a large portion our business is insurance claims. We typically communicate with the insurance company via email and phone and include you in all email communication with them, to keep you in the loop. We have a specific person in the office dedicated to this purpose.
Roofing Payment Terms: Do you take deposits, upfront payments or on the completion of the job? Do you accept credit card payment or offer financing?
We do take deposits. We can also collect payment upon the completion of the job. We do take credit card payments (3% fee) and we do offer financing.
Are roof supplies readily available?
Typically, depending upon the color of roof shingles you would like.
How long will the roofing project job take?
Most jobs are completed in 1 day. (2-3 days for larger roof repair or replacement projects)
Will you complete an attic inspection to address any roofing issues?
Yes, we will complete an attic inspection prior to the installation of the new roof and again after the roof is completed.
are you ready to fix your austin roof with a 5-star satisfaction experience?
Don't risk choosing a roofing contractor who lacks commitment to customer service - turn to Good News Roofing & Solar who will solve all of your roofing problems correctly the first time around.