Category: Blog

Welcome to Celtic Roofing, a Castle Rock roofing company. Read our blogs for more information on roofing.

Can Hail Really Damage Your Roof?

Living in Colorado, hail damage is a real possibility no matter where you live. Usually, once or twice a year, if the front range is unlucky, you’ll find a severe enough hailstorm to damage property and your roof. Roof damage can be as minor as a few dents to open holes in your roof depending on the severity of the hailstorm. Let’s look at how hail damages roof, whether you can prevent it, and why you should call a roofer after a major storm.

More About Hail Damage

When hail hits your room, the denser it is, the more damage is causes. This damage can cause dings, dents, and holes. Depending on where the hail hits, it could damage skylights, vents, and gutters. This damage can add up. If shingles are broken, this can lead to water and other debris leaking into the underside of your roof and eventually into your home. In some cases, you may not be able to see what hail damage is doing, because you’re not a roofer.

Hail damage may or may not be preventable. By investing in impact-resistant shingles, you can mitigate roof damage from hail. However, if the hail is big enough and dense enough, even the best shingles on the market will get damaged. If this damage is caught early enough, you’ll be able to repair or replace your roof and avoid long-term issues from a hailstorm.

After any hailstorm, you should head outside when it’s over and take a good look at your roof. Using a pair of binoculars if you have some handy. Look for any dented, damaged, or missing shingles; if you find anything, call a roofer to come out and inspect the roof. If the hailstorm was severe, call a roofer regardless of what you find. While hail damage is often noticeable, sometimes you just may not know what to look for to find it. This can lead to long-term issues, such as your roof leaking which leads to even bigger problems down the road.

Do You Need to Provide a Power Source for Your Roofer?

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One of the most common questions a roofer gets is whether a homeowner is responsible for providing a power source on their property during a replacement or repair. In most cases, the answer is yes. Depending on where you live, where your power outlets are, and how the roofer will be working, it’ll be the homeowner or property owner’s responsibility to provide a power source for roofers.

Why Do Roofers Need a Power Source?

When you roof needs be repaired or replaced, there isn’t a mobile unit that can be mobilized to provide the workers a power source. Instead, they arrive in regular vehicles, like trucks and vans with the equipment they need to get started. They rely on you to provide a power source. This is easier said than done and you don’t need to be home to do it.

One of the most common questions that homeowners have when considering a roof replacement is whether they need to provide their roofing contractor with a power source to complete the job. The answer is simple — yes. Roofing companies will require a reliable power source in order to complete the replacement, and it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that they have proper access during the course of the project.

Why Do Roofers Need Access to a Power Source?

In order to execute a roof replacement project quickly and without being unnecessarily invasive to the homeowner, roofers will require a power source to provide electricity for their tools and equipment. Gas-powered generators may be used in some cases depending on specific site challenges (such as in remote locations), but in most cases providing access to a few exterior electrical outlets will enable them to carry out the work safely and in a timely fashion. Generators are also very noisy and can increase the level of annoyance while your roof is being replaced.

To ensure that your roofing company has sufficient access to power, it’s important to test your exterior outlets prior to the start of your roofing project. In newer homes, some exterior electrical outlets may be connected to a switch, meaning that they need to be turned on before power can flow. A simple check around your home can help you determine whether your outlets are in working order. You don’t need to provide extension cords, however, as your roofing company will bring all of the equipment necessary for the job.

Choose Celtic Roofing for All of Your Roof Replacement Needs

Our roofers go the extra mile to ensure that all of your concerns are met with friendly and professional support. We treat each roofing project as our own and ensure that our work is carried out with a quality-first mentality. Contact us today for a quote and we’ll make sure your new roof is in good hands.

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Main Library in Louisiana Wins Prestigious Metal Roofing Award

A well-done job is always something to be proud of. Usually roofers only get that internal sense of pride and satisfaction and maybe a thank-you letter but what if your roofing work was so good, you received an award? There are ways that roofers are recognized across the United States with different awards and a Louisiana operation recently took home a fantastic honor.

The distinction goes to the East Baton Rouge Parish’s Main Library in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The new Main Library was the winner of the Building and Roof Award for Metal Roofing – New Category by the 2015 Metal Construction News (MCN) Building and Roofing Awards. The recognition is a national honor.

The library’s new roof was designed by the Library Design Collaborative which is a joint product between Cockfield Jackson Architects of Baton Rouge, interior architect Dewberry of Dallas, and exterior architect Tipton Associated of Baton Rouge. Roof Tech took care of the actual installation of the roof.

The roof is composed of several types of zinc panels that totals more than 40,000 square feet. The designers used both horizontal and vertical alignment to create a unique structure that obviously caught the eyes of some big names in the roofing world.

The MCN highlighted some of the factors that struck them stating, “The judges really liked the beautiful use of materials and said the Library’s form is exceptional… They also liked how the entryway with the cantilevered volume above the glass, along with how the wall panels fold into a roofing system, creates a cool looking building.”

Members of the local community are proud of the new roof as well. “This new library branch is a focal point of the local community park in which it resides and will serve the citizens of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge well,” said managing director Daniel Nicely.

Your roofing contractor certainly doesn’t need to have national recognition to install a one-of-a-kind roof for you but it certainly doesn’t hurt. If you are curious if your roofer has received any types of awards or recognition, just ask. That could be the last step of choosing the perfect roofer for you.

Construction Company Faces OSHA Safety Violations

A S General Construction Inc has been cited by The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for exposing workers to potentially fatal fall hazards. The alleged violations took place at a job site in the city of Woburn, Massachusetts.  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, A S General Construction Inc employees worked from heights of more than 26 feet on an unguarded roof as well as from improperly constructed scaffolding equipment.

The list of hazards at the Woburn job site included lack of head protection and safety glasses, not inspecting erected scaffolding for defects, lack of safe access to the scaffolding and roof, and failure to remove debris from the job site. A S General Construction allegedly failed to provide required fall protection equipment and did not train employees to work on scaffolding equipment in a safe manner. The result was workers were steps away from deadly or disabling falls. The company was cited with two willful violations, as well as seven serious and seven repeat violations of safety in the workplace. The citations carry fines totaling $188,760.

Falls from extended heights are the leading cause of death on construction sites and are preventable with proper training and safety equipment but A S General Construction Inc has been cited repeatedly for failure to provide these things. Previously between 2011 and 2015 the company was cited for similar fall hazards at job sites in Dedham and Windham, New Hampshire.

The latest citations stemming from the Woburn job site have led OSHA to list A S General Construction Inc in its Severe Violators Enforcement Program. This agency program places extra focus on employers who have a history of endangering workers by committing multiple failure-to-abate and willful violations. Under the Severe Violators Enforcement Program, OSHA has the ability to inspect any job sites or facilities operated by A S General Construction Inc if there is reason to believe similar violations are being committed.

The construction company can contest the findings in front of the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission or comply to the requirements and penalties.

3 Facts to Know About Castle Rock Roofing

If you lived in Colorado for a time you easily know one thing about the weather, you can’t predict it. The weather in Colorado can change from one minute to the next, and because of Colorado’s diverse landscape, one town can have completely different conditions than one just a few miles away. This is one reason why different jurisdictions in Colorado have their own specific set of building codes, especially when it comes to roofing. If you live in Castle Rock you likely want to know about the unique set of circumstances your own roof, that’s why we’ve put together some important factors to know about Castle Rock Roofing.

3 Things to Know About Castle Rock Roofing

Ice and Water Shield is Recommended

You don’t have to live in Castle Rock very long to know that your roof is very susceptible to snow and ice. Your home in Castle Rock would likely benefit from ice and water shield to help curb the risks associated with ice and snow. Ice and snow is a specialized form of underlayment that can be installed in areas of the roof where and snow and ice tend to accumulate such as the eaves and valleys of your roof. If you are having some Castle Rock roofing done, talk to your contractor about ice and water shield.

City of Castle Rock Requires Midroof Inspections

The City of Castle Rock requires a midroof inspection for all residential roofing applications. The home will be stripped of its old shingles and underlayment and new underlayment will be installed before the inspector arrives. The Castle Rock roofing inspector will check the decking of the roof as well as the underlayment to make sure everything is installed per building code. Once the inspector gives the thumbs up, the contractor will complete your reroof.

Midroofs apply to Town of Castle Rock, but if your home is in Douglas County or Castle Pines’ jurisdiction, a midroof inspection will not be required.

You Want to Pick a Castle Rock Roofing Expert

You want a roofing contractor that understands your roof’s needs and is even a member of the community. That’s why we urge you to go local when choosing a Castle Rock roofing contractor. Castle Rock roofing contractors have the experience and know-how to make sure your reroof is perfect for Castle Rock.

So if you’re getting your home in Castle Rock reroofed remember ice and water shield, the midroof inspection, and go local. This will get you the best results for a great, effective roof, that’s ready for just about anything Castle Rock can throw at it.

How Hail Damages Your Roof

One of the biggest issues Castle Rock residents face each summer is hail. We seem to get hit an awful lot by some of the worst hailstorms in Colorado. While the damage may seem minimal on the surface, many roofs suffer from hail damage and go unnoticed which leads to further damage. Let’s look at how hail damages roofs, whether you can prevent it or not, and what to do if you notice hail damage to your roof.

How Does Hail Damage Roofs?

When hail forms in the right conditions, it’s like throwing a baseball at a brick wall. Eventually, you’ll notice cracks and destruction if the baseball keeps getting thrown against the wall. While hail doesn’t last that long, if it hits at the right speed and velocity, it can cause dents, dings, cracks, and even barrel straight through your roof into your home. In most cases, you can’t prevent hail damage to your roof under the proper weather conditions. While you can invest in impact-resistant shingles, they can’t protect you when the perfect storm occurs.

After a hailstorm, it’s important for you to check your roof for damage. You can do this from the ground, looking for the following signs:

  • Completely missing shingles or holes in shingles
  • Black dents and dings throughout the roof or centered in one place
  • Off color shingles, such as orange or brown
  • Leaks indoors, even if you can’t see any damage on the roof

If you see any of the above, or just aren’t sure, call a professional to come out and inspect your roof. They’ll be able to confirm what damage occurs, whether it can be repaired or suggest replacing the roof entirely. Depending on the intensity of the storm, where the hail hits, and other factors, replacing your roof after a hailstorm isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a homeowner.

Make sure to check if your insurance covers hail and storm damage to your roof. Some policies don’t and homeowners don’t find out until they need to file a claim. Ensure your home is protected from all weather-related events in your area, especially if you live in Colorado.

What You Need to Know About the Roofing Process

When it comes to getting your roof repaired or replaced, you’ll read a lot of horror stories online about things going bad. We won’t lie. Things do go bad. However, a good roofer will take care of you from start to finish. This starts with explaining how the roofing process goes, who your contact person is along the way, and more. Let’s look at how the basic roofing process works so you know what to expect.

How the Roofing Process Works

Before work is even done, or a contract is signed, a reliable roofer will send a salesperson out to your home to inspect your roof. This salesperson will get on your roof and do a thorough physical inspection to determine what is wrong. From there, they will give you a written estimate that details the work to be done and the potential cost. If you are filing an insurance claim, they will explain those details to you, too.

From there, if you accept the propose, you can sign a contract with the roofer. They will get all the details aligned for the job, including ordering materials and scheduling a start date. Once the materials are delivered, a crew will arrive within a few days to a week’s time to begin work on your roof. Depending on the size of the roof, the work could be done in a day to a week. Your salesperson will give you a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your roof and situation.

During this process, you’ll typically be in contact with your salesperson and a manager in the office. They will coordinate scheduling, answer any questions you have, and ensure you’re comfortable with how the company is repairing or replacing your roof. If any issues arise during the process, you’ll contact your salesperson or manager to let them know. They’ll tackle the issue for you so that everything is in good shape by the time the job is done.

After the roof is complete, the crew will clean up your property and make sure it was left the way it was before they began work. Any additional questions or concerns you have will be addressed by your salesperson. That’s what you can expect from a reliable roofing job.

How to Spot a Roofing Scam

Roofing scams aren’t always easy to spot. However, if you’ve had roofers come knocking after a storm, you’ve seen what happens when the vultures come to town. In most areas prone to storms, like Colorado, you’re going to see storm chasers come to your door if your neighborhood is hit. Some of these roofers are legitimate roofing companies trying to help you; many of them are going to be out of town companies or straight scammers looking to make a quick buck while leaving you hanging. Here’s how to spot a roofing scam and avoid them.

Spotting a Roofing Scam

The easiest way to spot a roofing scam is when you have multiple roofers knock on your door after a storm. If they can’t answer questions, won’t give you information, or won’t perform a free estimate on your roof before giving you a proposal, chances are they’re scamming you. You should trust your gut when dealing with roofers coming to your door, they may not have your best interest at heart.

When looking for a roofer, call one yourself, especially after a storm. If you already have a roofer, great; if not, ask for recommendations from family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors. If a neighbor recently had their roof done, ask them who they used and how the process went. This type of recommendation goes a long way to finding a reliable roofer and avoid roofing scams.

When choosing a roofer, make sure to ask questions. Find out how their roofing process works. Find out how they work with insurance companies. Check out their website, online reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. Learn as much as you can, ask questions, and see how they respond. Reputable roofing companies have no issues answering your questions and putting your mind at ease when choosing them to repair or replace your roof.

Why You Should Call a Roofer First Before Your Insurance Company

Colorado is notorious for unpredictable weather. Following a strong storm, a common mistake that many homeowners make is calling their insurance company. Being a homeowner, your goal is to maintain the appearance, value, and protective nature of your home. After a storm causes damage to your house, it only seems natural that you would call your insurance company to handle the damages. Unfortunately, that’s not the best solution for the problems you may be facing.

How Roofers Can Help

Other than fixing your roof, roofing contractors are certified and trained to professionally inspect and identify storm damage to your house that should be addressed which is why you should call a roofer first. In addition to their expertise, professional roofing contractors are also your advocates for working with insurance companies and handling all claims, repairs, losses and damages to your roof, windows and siding.

The advantage to this is that roofers are able to inspect your home first, rather than an insurance representative. This means that they can identify whether or not you even have damage, advise you in making a claim with your insurance, and work directly with your insurance to ensure that all of the required repairs are documented and accounted for.

A lot of insurance companies don’t conduct a thorough inspection like a roofer would, which leaves your roof and home vulnerable to damage that goes unnoticed. The reason why you should call a roofer first becomes clear because professional roofers are responsible for identifying damage and proposing a solution, while an insurance adjuster is responsible for documenting visible damage. The trouble with this is that most roof damage is not visible, and actually develops below the surface of your roofing materials. Only a certified roofer can safely climb on your roof and document the extent of damage sustained by a storm.

So, why should you call a roofer first before your insurance company? Well, it is the best way to remove yourself from the headache of roofing lingo, financial negotiations, and the confusion that follows a damaging storm. Professional roofing contractors are like lawyers for your storm damage. They handle your insurance company and ensure you are getting the repairs you need to effectively protect your home in the future.

3 Tips for Finding a Roofer

Roof damage from hail, wind, rain, or longevity can lead to greater damage in and around your home. Putting off a roof replacement installation only permeates the problem, so it is imperative that you have your roof inspected and repaired at the first sign of damage. When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, there are a lot of options you have to consider. It seems like there are a million different companies to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to decide which roofer is the best choice for you. We’ve compiled our 3 tips for finding a roofer.

Here’s 3 Tips for Finding a Roofer

Keep It Local When Finding a Roofer

Support local business, and keep your town’s roofers busy during the spring and summer months, or after a large storm. Hiring local workers allows you the assurance in knowing that contacting them, communicating with them, and having follow up inspections or repairs with them can be done with ease. These roofers are your neighbors, and they’ll understand the type of damage your home has seen from storms in the area. You can also get a better gauge of their reputation based on other work the company has done in the areas they serve.

Coverage

Your roof is necessary coverage for your home. Roofers themselves also need coverage, and it’s important that you only hire a roofing contractor who is fully insured for both their protection and yours. Should there be a problem during the installation of your roof, there could be damage caused to your home, and those around you. Ensuring that your roofer has full coverage insurance simply removes all liability from you.

Referrals

Referrals are the best way to find the roofer for your job. Friends, family and neighbors are your most honest references. If they are homeowners themselves, it’s likely that they have used a roofer in the area and can either recommend you use a specific company, or stay very far away from another company. Referrals are the word of mouth business that every great roofing company works hard to earn. If you’re being referred to a roofer, they’ve earned the respect and satisfaction of the person referring you.

Finding a roofer is not as scary as you might think. Know what to look for, and who to ask, and you’re sure to be fully covered by a roof in no time.