Apples to Apples

It doesn't. When inviting a contractor onto your property to perform work, the responsibility is yours to ensure that contractor has adequate liability insurance. Always ask for a current policy as proof of insurance. Everyone claims to have it, many do not.

Workmen’s Compensation is also required. In North and South Carolina, you must have this. Ask for it! Any person telling you they carry private insurance, or their workmen have their own clearance slips, do not deal with these companies! Workmen's Compensation is required by law in North and South Carolina. You, the homeowner is personally liable for injury, accident and death benefits if your contractor has no coverage. Always get it in writing.

Are all shingles are equal?

No... they are not!. There are two basic types, Organic & Fiberglass. They are both asphalt shingles, however, the mat (the part that the asphalt and colored stone coating are applied to) differs. One is glass fiber the other is wood fiber. As well, as with any product, there are better and poorer quality products available. Most fibreglass product being sold by roofing contractors today are manufactured in America. American products are the best available in the industry. 

Fiberglass is popular with shingle manufacturers because it is cheaper to produce.

Bottom line!

Is one better than the other? Best warranty and best seller -  We recommend the fiberglass in the heavier laminated architectural series shingles.(GAF-ELK)  As for manufacturers I prefer GAF Industries – American made products and been in business since 1886.

Are all roofing companies the same?

Don’t be fooled. They're not! When you purchase a new car you decide on the model, options, warranty, etc. then shop for the best price. You still arrive home with the same car.

Not so with a new roof. Many companies are what we call shingle changers. They are not really roofing contractors in the sense that they don’t possess the knowledge, skills or equipment to do other than change shingles. We install a roof system (underlayment is replaced, not re-used, starter installed, pipe flanges, flash and seal walls, and capping) all replaced new NEVER reused!

Manufacturers warranty specifications and stipulated applications are strictly followed , including ventilation and underlayment requirements. Electric, thermostatically controlled attic ventilation units can also be installed for those warm second story homes. Simply put, your roof is replaced as a system. One designed to last.

The best warranteed shingles will not last if poorly or incorrectly installed!

All roofing companies are similar.

Fooled again!

When I started installing roofs in the York County area 27 years ago the phone book may have contained a few companies through-out this area. Have you looked lately? Three reasons why.

1. Increase in population and housing density.
2. There are no governing agencies or bodies overseeing the residential roofing industry. To start a roofing business you simply  file for a business license. You purchase a permit within the city your project will begin.  You can then hire whoever you wish to install roofing, as only the company requires a license. The only thing that has changed as far as I’m aware, is you must now provide proof of liability insurance.
   
   One too many claims for property damage against uninsured contractors.  This happens everyday!
3. Technology. Air compressors & nailing guns. At one time all roofing was hand nailed. Today 90 % is air nailed. In most cases it’s faster. This translates to time equals money, which equals profit. Speed, however, is no substitute for quality.
   
   Learning to hand nail is a slow process that may take several years to develop any kind of reasonable speed . During this time one learns correct installation techniques and develops pride in the quality of their workmanship. The speed develops gradually through repetition. Air nailers on the other hand are instantly fast, enabling quick installation, yet creating a market place saturated with inexperience and poorly installed roofs.
   
   At Eason Roofing, LLC  our seasoned employees install your new roof  system using only hand nailed application. Installation time is the same.  Believe it or not!    There are many people available to change shingles, yet there are few good roofers!

Shingle Warranties

GAF-ELK SYSTEM PLUS WARRANTY (Weather Stopper Certified)

This is an extended warranty offered only by GAF through certified contractors. Certified for their expertise, professionalism and proven record of customer satisfaction & appreciation in the residential roofing marketplace.

Here's what you get: Four times the up-front coverage of typical shingle warranties!

• Most GAF-Elk Shingle 20 yrs. and GAF-ELK "Lifetime" 50 yrs.
• Covers roofing system?  YES! The entire system
• Cost of installation labor included? 25 yrs. to Lifetime (i.e., same length as shingle) Only 5 years
• "Maximum" wind coverage up to 130 mph Category 3 hurricane wind speed? YES!
• Installer Certified?  YES!
• Tear-off cost included? YES!
• Warranty transferable? YES!
• Free transfer? YES!
• "Good House Keeping" seal of protection? YES!

Your quotation price is high.

Compared to what?

When comparing quotations make sure you are comparing apples to apples. There are companies priced lower than ourselves.  Use our contractor checklist and ask a low priced competitor to install your roof exactly as ours. For the most part they won’t be able to, and certainly not for the price they quoted you.

Our pricing is carefully calculated and based on cost. The cost to provide you with the best service, materials and installation available while maintaining marginal profitability and company longevity within your community.

Lets face it. You can always buy a cheaper anything. Always be an informed consumer and beware of what you are buying.

Completion times

Most homes are completed in one to three days. (residential)  There aren’t many we cannot complete the same day. We will give you a completion time on your quotation. Companies taking several days for completion are less than professional and generally inexperienced. Always ask! This is an excellent indicator.

Other concerns

Any other questions or concerns you might have that we have not covered in this package, please give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way we can.

Eason Roofing, LLC - Contractor Checklist