September 2016

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Shingle Roof?

 

Factors Affecting Shingle Repair Costs

Shingle damage can happen a from high winds, a falling tree, a hail storm, or a number of other various and often bizarre ways.  Sometimes the damage is enough to involve your insurance company.  Other times, the damage is minimal, won’t reach your insurance deductible, and can just be handled through a roofing contractor.

There are a number of variables that will affect how much a shingle repair job will cost.  There is not one set price.  Here are some ways that a roofing contractor will come up with a repair cost for your damaged shingle roof:

Extent of the damage

The amount of shingles damaged will be an obvious factor.  Since many roofers have a minimum service charge, you may have to pay the same price for repairing just a shingle or two, as you would for 10 or more, depending on the roofer.

If the roof deck has been compromised, the repair costs will also be affected.  Once again, different roofers will handle a damaged roof deck in different ways.  Some may charge to replace a full sheet of plywood for a small puncture due to a falling tree.  Others may recommend just a spot repair to the deck for damage that small.

If one section of approximately 20 shingles is blown off, a roofer may charge less to fill in that section, than if 20 shingles were randomly blown off across your roof.  Less labor is involved in repairing one section consisting of 20 shingles, than in repairing 20 individual shingles scattered across a roof.

Roof Pitch and Height

The steepness and height of a roof will affect the cost of a shingle repair.  A ranch style house with a roof 10 feet off the ground will most likely get a lower repair estimate than a 3 story steep-pitched shingle roof.  The amount of difficulty to access the damaged area may also increase the repair cost.

Location

In regions with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay more, while in areas where the economy is struggling, most likely your shingle repair costs will be lower.

Competition/Going Rate

Depending on how many roofers are in your area, you may either benefit with a lower shingle repair cost, or be subject to a higher cost.  Sometimes competition drives prices down, while other times roofers stick to a going rate in the area, or will charge more if they are busy and don’t really need the work.

Materials Cost

Most asphalt shingle roofs are either 25-year 3-tab, or 30-year architectural.  If your asphalt shingle roof consists of a different style, or an odd color, your shingle repair cost may be more.

So, what will MY shingle repair costs be anyway?

Because of the factors mentioned above, it is impossible to give an actual cost that you will pay for a shingle repair.  You can’t trust online articles that show national averages, because there are just too many variables when it comes to estimating a shingle repair.  The national and local averages you find online may be more accurate for full shingle roof replacements, but not for determining how much your shingle repair will cost.

Your best option for finding how much your shingle repair will cost is to get multiple estimates (make sure they are free estimates) from reputable roofing contractors in your area and weigh your options.  Keep in mind that most roofers will have a minimum charge no matter how many shingles need to be replaced.  This minimum charge may range anywhere from $75.00 to $250.00.

 

 

Roofing Equipment

Roofing Tools and Equipment

Good, reliable roofing tools and equipment are critical for any roofing contractor.  Some tools end up collecting dust or costing more time or money than they are worth.  It is important to research the equipment and tools you want to purchase to make sure they are safe, reliable, and worth the investment.  Here is a list of various articles, reviews, and links to roofing-related tools and equipment:

Tools

Tools Needed For Roof Repairstools needed for roofing

Roofer’s Helper Recommended Tools

Equipment & Accessories

Drones

Safety Equipment

Vehicles

Choosing a Roofing Vehicle

Ladder Racks

 

Gutter Business Name Ideas- Names for a Gutter Company

BUSINESS STARTUP QUICK LINKS

Here are a number of gutter business name ideas.  Some of these names are used by actual gutter companies, and may not be available for use in your area.   These names can be used for many types of gutter businesses including gutter installation, gutter fabrication, gutter/leaf guard, gutter repair, gutter cleaning, etc. You can check for website name availability and get a FREE domain with web hosting purchase here.

For information on starting your own gutter company: How To Start A Gutter Company.  For more on starting a gutter cleaning business: How To Start A Gutter Cleaning Business.

Gutter Company Name Ideas

  • Gutters ‘N More
  • Gutters Plus
  • Superior Gutters
  • Gutter Guru
  • The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
  • Gutter Helmet
  • Total Gutter
  • Gutter King
  • Supreme Gutters
  • Leaf Guard
  • Only Gutters
  • The Gutter Guys
  • Gutter Clear
  • GutterWorks
  • Gutter Solutions
  • Gutter Boss
  • Gutter Service
  • Leaf Free
  • Leaf Stopper
  • The Gutter Man
  • A+ Gutters
  • Elite Gutter Services
  • Superior Seamless Gutters
  • Gutter Pro

Fall From Broken Ladder Causes Death Of Roofer

Rochester, NY- Roofer, Jason Regatuso, 32, of Mount Morris, New York, has died from injuries incurred after a ladder broke on a jobsite.  Three roofers were sent to Strong Memorial Hospital after a ladder supporting scaffolding broke, causing the men to fall.  The other two roofers were released from the hospital.  Osha is investigating.  More HERE.

How To Start A Seamless Gutter Business

BUSINESS STARTUP QUICK LINKS

Table of Contents

Starting A Gutter Business

A seamless gutter company can be relatively easy to start, and turn into a good source of continual income.  The most important part of starting any business is the initial planning.  After the planning, you’ll need to register your new gutter business to make it legal.  Then, you’ll need to get busy marketing, in order to build your business.

For some gutter business name ideas:  Gutter Company Name Ideas

Planning your Gutter Business

There are a few different angles to look at when considering starting a gutter business.

Installation of gutters only– If you are just starting out, and don’t have cash for a seamless gutter machine, or if you simply would rather not have a gutter machine, you could just run a gutter installation business.  There are numerous gutter companies that will come on-site to produce gutters for you at your specifications.  Simply get their price ahead of time, add your labor and expenses, and then give your quote to the customer.

Fabricate seamless gutters only– You could choose to invest in a seamless gutter machine, and offer your services to roofers and other contractors.  Roofing and construction supply houses could also provide business for you as they often outsource custom gutters.

Fabricate and install seamless gutters– You may wish to purchase a gutter machine, fabricate and install for your own gutter business, AND fabricate seamless gutters for other contractors.  This is most likely the best option if you want to produce a full time income and have a profitable gutter company.  Keep in mind, you may need/desire to purchase multiple gutter machines to accommodate different size gutters.  Gutter machines are expensive, so it may be wise to start with just one.  5 inch gutters are pretty standard, and there may be plenty of residential and commercial gutter projects in your area to justify having just one machine.

Gutters and…???- Maybe your area won’t sustain a full-time gutter installation business, or maybe you want to offer more than just gutters.  Some popular business options are gutter guards/leaf guards, roofing and gutters, siding and gutters, gutters and windows, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs, all of the above, or even some other type of home improvement service.

Startup Costs

Some more obvious startup costs to calculate and consider are:

-Vehicle and or trailer to house the gutter machine

-Gutter machine and all gutter installation tools (this could get expensive, depending on what type of machine you choose)

-Ladder rack

-Ladders

-Scaffolding stage (catwalk) – this is optional- you could just use ladders

-Liability insurance

-Health insurance (if you plan to be self-employed)how to start a gutter business

-Vehicle insurance

-Taxes

-Marketing -brochures, business cards, yard signs, website, etc.

-Employees -don’t forget workman’s comp insurance, and health insurance

Choosing a name

You’ll need to decide what name you’ll have for your gutter business.  If you are definitely planning to offer additional services, you may not want to limit your name to just include the word “gutter”.  You may wish to expand it with terms like “home services”, “and more” or specific words that will define your business.

For some gutter business name ideas:  Gutter Company Name Ideas

Registering your Gutter Business

Below, you will find links to register your new gutter business in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  The links were created for roofing contractors, but will apply to any home improvement contractor.

How to Start a Gutter Business in the United States

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

How to Start a Gutter Business in Canada

How to Start A Gutter Business in the UK

Marketing

There are a number of ways to market a seamless gutter business.  One place to start is with roofing and construction supply warehouses.  Let them know you are available to fulfill any custom gutter orders they may receive.  You may want to contact roofers in the area (without spamming) and offer your services.  Other ways to market are using yard signs, vehicle signs, brochures, business cards, a good website, a Google business listing, other online directories, and social media.

Other great ways to build your business are good communication, good customer service, and offering a good quality product.  If you do these things, you should have no problem building a profitable gutter business.

How To Start A Roofing Business In Dallas

How To Start A Roofing Business In Dallas, Texas

Here is some helpful information on how to start a roofing business, including permits and inspections you may need to get in the city of Dallas, Texas.  Be sure to research thoroughly.  You may or may not have to apply for permits or inspections depending on what type of roofing you are doing.

Dallas has a website to help you get started:  http://dallascityhall.com/business/Pages/default.aspx

Dallas County Office of Small Business Enterprise: https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/small-business-enterprise/

Inspections and Permits: http://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/Pages/index.aspx

Roofer Dies after falling in Hot Tar Kettle

St. Louis, MO. – (this is an update from this original post). Roofer Daniel Madden, 66, has died after being in a coma since August 6, due to falling in a hot tar kettle.  Madden was given a military honors.  Madden was a longtime roofer and Army Ranger veteran.  He was given a military funeral and buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.   More here.

Roof Repair in Philadelphia – How To Find The Best Philly Roofer

 How To Find An Honest, Reliable Roofer In Philadelphia

Finding a reliable roofer can be a difficult task.  Finding a good roofer in Philadelphia and the suburbs can be especially difficult, with so many roofers to choose from.   Whether you are looking for a flat roof repair to your Philly home, slate repair, tile repair, or a full roof replacement, finding an honest, affordable roofer is crucial.  One roofer may insist you need a new roof, while a second roofer may determine you only need a small roof repair.  It is important to find a roofer in the Philadelphia area you can trust.

 1. Ask neighbors, friends and family.  This is a great place to start.  Find some neighbors who have recently have roof work done, and get their opinion of the roofer they used.  Alternatively, you can ask a roofer for references from his roof customers in your area.

2. Get multiple estimates.   Unless you feel very confident with a neighbor’s or friend’s recommendation, get at least 2 or 3 estimates.  Don’t decide on price alone.  Factor in experience, warranties, price, and how comfortable you felt with the roofing contractor.

3.  Make sure the roofer is licensed and insured.  Even if all you need is a small roof repair, make sure your roofer is registered with the state of Pennsylvania.  This won’t guarantee you will be hiring the best roofer, but it will help you choose roofer who is insured.  This can easily be done by searching on Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Contractor search page: http://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/

Either search for the Philadelphia roofer on the page, or ask him for his HIC number.  All roofing contractors are required to register as a contractor in Pennsylvania.  In order to register, they must have liability insurance.

There are many honest and reliable roofers in the Philadelphia area, but finding them can be the tricky part.  Hiring the wrong roofer for your roof repair could not only end up costing you a lot of money, but also time and aggravation in finding another roofer to correct the problems the first roofer caused.  You might also end up with ugly or improper roof repairs.  If you consider the referrals of family, friends and neighbors, get multiple estimates from different Philly roofers, and make sure your roofer is registered in Pennsylvania, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a roofer you can trust.

Philadelphia, Glenside, Jenkintown, Abington, Montgomeryville, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Montgomery County, Bucks County

 

Bostitch vs. Makita – The Best Roofing Nail Guns

If you have ever hand-nailed a shingle roof, and then used a nail gun, you will know the huge difference this tool will make in production time when used properly.  Roofing nail guns are pretty much essential to any roofing trying to compete in the asphalt shingle market.

Here is a comparison of two of the top roofing nail guns on the market.  Roofing nailers take a lot of abuse, so it pays to invest in a quality roofing nail gun.  Both Bostitch and Makita make durable, high performing roofing nailers that will help you get a shingle roof installed fast!

BOSTITCH RN46-1 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer

The Bostitch RN 46 boasts the ability to drive up to 100 nails a minute.  It is constructed with magnesium for maximum durability.  The Bostitch allows for 2 firing methods, and has drive depth adjustments.  The nailer weighs in at 4.8 lbs and comes with a 7 year warranty.

 

CHECK PRICING

Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer

At 5.5 lbs, the Hitachi is light, but still slightly heaving than the Bostich.  The Hitachi has a nice side-loading feature, and also includes a quick-drive feature, allowing faster installation of roofing nails.  The Hitachi comes with a 5 year limited warranty.

CHECK PRICING


Roofing Contractor Registration – Roofing License Requirements

Roofing Contractor Registration

State-by-State Roofing License Requirements

Many states in the United States require roofing contractors to register with their state.  Not all states require registration.  The states that have specific requirements often also have required fees.  Some registration fees may need to be renewed annually, while other may have a longer term.

These states don’t necessarily call the certification a Roofing License, but usually refer to it more generally as a contractor’s license or contractor registration.

Many states require the contractor to be insured in order to complete the registration process.  Some states give homeowners the ability to search for contractors to see if they are registered with their state, and properly insured.

Below you will find links to each state’s contractor registration pages.  Laws change regularly, but as of the publishing of this page, not every state requires roofers to register or be licensed.  Also, some states only require certain roofers to register, based upon job costs or other criteria.

In order to be legally operating a roofing company, make sure you are following the contractor registration and licensing requirements in your state.

State-by-State Roofing Contractor License and Registration Links

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming