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Tips and resources for your next roofing project

If you're researching the ins and outs of getting a new roof, The Roofing Doctor’s blog is a great place to get started and discover answers from experts on some of the most common questions about roofs and roofing-related topics.

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By Dawn Brum 05 Apr, 2024
Discover the transformative power of Velux skylights with Roofing Doctor's latest blog post. Dive deep into the world of Velux, a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and daylight transformation in homes worldwide. Whether you're considering a fresh installation or seeking to upgrade your existing skylights, our expert insights will guide you through the myriad of Velux products tailored to enhance your living spaces with natural light and fresh air. From the sleek design of deck-mounted skylights to the advanced technology of electric venting models, learn how Velux skylights can not only elevate the aesthetic of your home but also contribute to a healthier, more energy-efficient living environment. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of your home's roofing system—explore the benefits of integrating Velux skylights into your property today. Ready to transform your home with the magic of natural light? Visit the Roofing Doctor blog to uncover everything you need to know about Velux
13 Oct, 2022
13 Oct, 2022
13 Oct, 2022
Community Reputation Always choose a company that has a great local reputation. Whether it be a roofing company that has come highly recommended by a friend, a company you found online with five star reviews, or a sign you saw in a neighbor’s yard while they were having work done on their home, seeing an active presence of the company will help you feel secure knowing that you have chosen to work with a well-trusted company in your area. Choosing a roofing contractor that has worked in your neighborhood means that they are familiar with all laws and regulations in your area. When you choose to work with Roofing Doctor , you are choosing to work with a business that has over 30 years of experience working in a small state like Rhode Island. We are reliable, trustworthy and dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Manufacturer Designations: CertainTeed Select Shingle Master (SSM) When a company is certified by a manufacturer, it shows that they have reached a high standard of excellence in their field. At Roofing Doctor, we are certified by CertainTeed , a well-respected company in the shingle roofing industry. We have an SSM, or, Select Shingle Master Certification. An SMM shows that the contractor you have chosen has extensive knowledge of everything from installation to quality of materials used. In addition to having extensive knowledge and experience, when you work with a company with an SSM, you receive extended warranty coverage depending on the project. You can be assured that you are in good hands when you are working with a certified roofing contractor. Warranties Not all roofing companies can offer a manufacturer warranty. Being a SSM means Roofing Doctor can offer extended warranty coverage. Always look to see what kind of warranties the roofing company offers for their own work and examine the length of the warranty. Will they come back to do repairs for free if something goes wrong with their work for a certain period of time? It is important to take note of what benefits you will receive even after the project is installed and completed. Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating Finding a roofing contractor that is BBB accredited with a high score gives you confidence in their work quality through a reliable, unbiased third party. The Better Business Bureau confirms that the company you are choosing to work with is accredited, has an A+ rating, has been in business for 30 years, and has all of the necessary insurances. It also allows you to read reviews and examine customer experience before working with a specific roofing company. It is always beneficial to do some preliminary research before partnering with a contractor for your upcoming project. Click here to view our BBB Listing . Transparency Making decisions about your roof can be a challenge. Finding a roofer who will provide you with all of the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding the specifics of your project is important. At Roofing Doctor , we bring information regarding different materials for your review to estimate appointments. We spend time discussing what options are best for your project and provide a space in our showroom for customers to come get more information in person if needed. You can also find out more about our business on our website and social media channels . We know that informed customers are happy customers and we are committed to taking the time to help you feel confident in the roofing contractor that will handle your upcoming project. Financing We know that investing in your home can be expensive. At Roofing Doctor, we work with GreenSky to offer a variety of financing options so that our customers can find the plan that works best for them. We meet to go over the different available plans and use our estimating calculator to show them how payments vary from plan to plan for their specific project. Customers can find out if they are pre-approved for financing in 15 minutes or less! To find out of Roofing Doctor is the right fit for you, click here to get in touch with our team . We are happy to answer any questions you might have about your next roofing project!
13 Oct, 2022
Being a homeowner in New England comes with a fair amount of seasonal preparation and awareness. There is truth to the stereotype that New Englanders are hearty people. They adapt and change to the variant climate that each season brings and their roofs should too. As you can imagine, installing a roof in New England requires quality materials and a team that understands how to properly install a quality, durable roof.  Before you install a new roof on your New England home, here are some things to consider. Have a Proper Ice and Water Barrier Be sure you have a proper ice and water barrier installed to prevent ice dams, especially in critical areas such as valleys, roof eaves, concealed flashings around roof penetrations, chimneys and pipes. Our standard policy is to install 6 feet of ice and water barrier at the roof eaves to protect your home and the new roof you are installing. We use WinterGuard from CertainTeed to prevent ice and water damage. It is a waterproof layer installed beneath the shingles to create a watertight barrier. Understand Your Insulation and Ventilation Homes in New England need proper ventilation and insulation to prevent condensation. Our temperatures change drastically from season to season, but even from day to night. With this in mind, it is important to understand your insulation and ventilation system. We often recommend installing ridge vents, which are installed on the peak of your roof, allowing exhaust and ventilation along the roofline. At Roofing Doctor, we use CertainTeed Ridge Vents. Click here to get in contact with our team if you have any questions about installing ridge vents on your recently installed roof. Consider the Location New England weather can vary dramatically by location and can play an important role in deciding what kind of materials to use. Is your home being battered by high winds on the coast or heavy snow loads in the mountains? Shingles are considered to be very weather resistant in general with proper installation, but selecting the right kind for your location can help protect your home in the long run. All of our roofing shingles are a minimum of 130 mph wind resistant and the shingles in each category (Silver, Silver Plus, and Gold) are different weights. We recommend the gold category for homes by the water that experience high winds and need heavier more durable shingles that are less likely to be blown off or damaged. As they say in real estate, “location, location, location” is a critical factor in deciding the right material for the job! Familiarize Yourself with the Warranty Every contractor offers a warranty. Be sure you understand the warranty extended to you when you sign on with a roofing contractor. You will want to know who you can call should something go wrong within the first year or two of your roof installation. When you work with the Roofing Doctor, we guarantee extended warranty coverage to ensure high-quality customer service and workmanship. We stand by our work and have a minimum 10 year warranty for our workmanship and installation. We follow all the best practices and materials (like the ice and water barriers, ridge caps, etc.) and pass all manufacturer tests so they will be covered under warranty. Not all roofers offer this warranty and it is important to have a roofer stand by their work. Find a Contractor who Specializes in New England Roof Installation If you want a roof over your head for years to come, you want to work with someone who is experienced in New England; someone who uses quality materials that protect your home as the seasons change. The Roofing Doctor team has serviced Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut for over 30 years with positive reviews from all of our clients. Click here to view our project map and see samples of our work. If you are interested in repairing your roof or installing a new roof, click here to get in touch with our team and learn more about how we can best serve you.
13 Oct, 2022
As a roofing contractor serving over 2,500 homes and businesses in the Rhode Island and Greater Boston area, it is important to have relationships and certifications with vendors who carry high-quality products. At the Roofing Doctor, we work closely with CertainTeed and have for the past 25 years. In fact, we are SSM certified, or Select Shingle Master, meaning that our contractors have extensive experience installing the product. When you work with our team, you can be assured that you will receive a seamless installation executed by expert contractors. Why CertainTeed? When we find a quality product, we stand behind it. CertainTeed products are built to last and manufactured to withstand temperature differences from humid summers to harsh New England winters. Their products also come with an extended warranty. Extended warranties are a great indicator that the manufacturer doesn’t expect any issues with the product. It means you are getting the highest quality roofing materials and the highest value for the price you pay. What CertainTeed Products Do You Use? As roofing contractors, we are experts when it comes to installing new, shingled roofs. We use their Landmark Shingles (Standard, Pro and Premium) , Ridge Vents and WinterGuard for maximum protection of both new construction and historic homes and businesses in New England. CertainTeed Ridge Vents keep your home well-ventilated. They allow for maximum airflow and ventilation of your attic. Visually, the product blends with the material used on your roof to maintain a sleek look and feel. You will hardly notice that the product is installed, but you will be glad that it is! The Landmark Shingles are a reliable roofing option that you won’t regret. We can attest to the durability of these shingles. They even come with a 10 year warranty so you can rest assured that your roof will stay in excellent condition. WinterGuard protects your home from water damage with a “waterproofing shingle underlayment.” In New England especially, homes are especially susceptible to water damage from ice, snow and rain. At the Roofing Doctor, we are committed to protecting your home from the elements and we couldn’t do it without WinterGuard. As a CertainTeed Authorized Installer, we use their entire roofing system, meaning our clients can expect the following while working with the Roofing Doctor.  Waterproofing Underlayment (Ice and Water Protection) Water-Resistant Underlayment (Roof Runner and WinterGuard) Starter Shingles (first course of shingles that work in tandem with the roof shingles) Shingles Hip & Ridge Caps (used on the roof’s hip and ridge lines) Ventilation (Ridge Vents) If you are interested in repairing your roof or installing a new roof, click here to get in touch with our team and learn more about how we can best serve you. Whether you are looking for a new roof, skylight installation, or work done on your chimney, the Roofing Doctor team is here to help. Click here to read reviews from our happy customers.
13 Oct, 2022
In New England, the colder months often bring extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather which can be hard on your home, especially your roof. This is why it is important to keep up with the maintenance of your roof. Proper roof maintenance ensures your roof will stand strong throughout the tough fall and winter season. Keep reading to learn some simple tips that will instantly improve the overall life and durability of your home’s roofing.  Clear Out Gutter Debris Naturally, during the fall, things like pinecones and leaves are likely to build up in your gutters. While a little bit of build-up typically does not cause any major issues, the debris can add up over time and cause a costly issue down the road. Cold winter temperatures also pose an additional problem if you have any debris in your gutter. If snow falls into your gutters and melts, then freezes on top of the debris, ice dams will form on your roof, proving your gutters ineffective. It can also cause extreme water damage which further emphasizes the importance of keeping your gutters clear. This is typically a simple maintenance task that can be done yourself, but we recommend that if you feel uncomfortable, are elderly or have any other factors that may prevent you from climbing a ladder, please call The Roofing Doctor to handle the cleaning for you. Our team of professionals would be happy to assist.
13 Oct, 2022
With cooler months often comes harsher weather conditions, which means more potential for roof damage. If you do run into a situation where you need roof repairs, it’s not uncommon for things to get costly, which is why it’s important to know what to expect. In this article, we will cover some simple ways to find out if you’re overpaying for roof repairs.  Repair vs. Replacement As a general rule of thumb, your roof should be replaced approximately every 15 years. There is a slight exception to this rule, if you find yourself spending a lot on frivolous repairs, it may be time to just consider a new roof altogether. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where you spend more money on repairs than you would on an entirely new roof. That defeats the purpose of repairs and can end up costing you far more in the long-run. Material Will Cause Price Variances It is important to educate yourself on your roof’s primary material. Each material is better for a different climate, has different durability, and comes at a different price point. For example, slate roofs are very expensive to repair. Their repair is much more time consuming and requires a high degree of skill, as a result, slate roof repairs can be incredibly costly. With this in mind, it is wise to thoroughly educate yourself on your roof’s material. This further ensures you will avoid being overcharged for any services. Roof Repairs May Be More Costly Than You Think While it is critical to ensure you are paying a fair price for the work you are receiving, roof repair from a reputable company is more expensive than most people expect. For example, our base cost for small repairs is $500 which includes the first two hours of labor plus materials. If the repair is more labor-intensive and requires more than two hours, we charge an additional $83/hour per person. While this may seem like a hefty cost, this pricing is actually on the lower end of industry standards. There are less expensive options out there but when you opt for a company that isn’t reputable, you risk ending up with less than desirable results. Are you in the Rhode Island, Massachusetts area and looking to make repairs to your roof? Click here to get in touch with our team . We look forward to speaking with you about the most cost-effective ways to repair your roof. Ensure You Are Not Under Warranty Many companies provide a warranty on the installation of your roof. It may not be clearly stated in your contract, but it is a common practice among roofing companies. Due to this, it is important to make sure your roof is not currently under warranty before paying for any repairs. If a customer requests services from us and their roof is less than 10 years old, we encourage them to contact the original installer first to ensure their roof is not under warranty. We don’t want our customers paying out of pocket for any repairs if they don’t have to. Our warranty provides a 10-year guarantee on any roof installations we complete (repairs are typically not included in our warranty, only installations). We are confident in the quality of the work we do and the materials we use so if any problems arise we take care of them free of charge to provide the best possible experience for our customers. Expect Different Ranges for Chimney and Skylight Repairs Although these are both parts of your roof, the cost for repair of both chimneys and skylights are separate from the cost of roof repairs. These repairs can be more expensive than typical roof repairs due to the specialized knowledge they take to complete. All things considered, the most viable way to ensure you aren’t overpaying for repairs is by staying educated and doing your research. If you are well-informed and aware of market standards, you will greatly avoid the chance of overpaying. When you partner with The Roofing Doctor, you can be assured that we will help you find the most cost effective solutions for you and your home. Click here to get in touch with our team .
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