It's currently summer storm season, and whenever a big storm hits, it seems that every roofer in town (and some from out of town) comes out of the woodwork. But do you know how to tell when the salesman knocking on your door is legit and when you should be wary? Here are some pointers on how to make sure that you don't fall for a roofing scam:

Are you feeling pressured by the roofer to sign a contract "right now" or that a special offer will be available "today only"?  Are you being told that you have a drastic problem that needs to be addressed immediately?  Chances are that these high pressure tactics are signs of a scam and meant to frighten you into a sense of urgency so that you will sign a legally binding contract without the opportunity to think things through.

A bona fide roofer should not pressure you or make deals that will be "expired" by tomorrow.  In addition, if you truly have a catastrophic problem with your roof, you as the homeowner will most likely know it.  A truly major problem after a storm will show itself in the form of leaks, shingles on the ground and, quite possibly, visible damage.

Did a roofer come by unannounced and just happen to see damage on your roof?  Did they knock on your door and insist on climbing up on your roof, only to come back down and insist that you are in dire need of a new one due to extensive damage...damage that you can't see with your own eyes?  These are often out of town roofers whose aim is to arrive in a town where a storm just happened, frighten homeowners into signing a contract, and then skip town after making as much money as possible.  It is not uncommon for these storm chasers to be uninsured and/or unlicensed and to do poor quality work with poor quality materials.

A roofer with good intentions should be able to provide you evidence of any damage through photographs.  They should be willing to explain the damage to you and be willing to work with your insurance to provide you with a solid replacement, if needed.

In addition to high pressure and fear based sales tactics, there may be other signs that you are being taken advantage of.  Offering discounts on materials or labor are often red flags.  Another red flag is a waived deductible.  It's important to note that in Colorado, waiving or reimbursing an insurance deductible is illegal and you, as the homeowner, can be held legally liable for insurance fraud if it happens.  A contractor operating without a license or insurance is also against the law.  Speaking of the law, there are none requiring mandatory inspections, so if this excuse is used by someone to get on your roof, it is safe to assume that something shady is going on. 

To avoid falling victim to a roofing scam, check out the roofing company that you wish to hire.  Look at their website and read their online reviews.  Make sure that the roofer shows verification of the damage and explains it to you so that you understand the work that will be done.  A good roofer should have integrity and be transparent about the process.

A roof, while functional and necessary, doesn't always elicit the same excitement in a homeowner as, say, a newly remodeled kitchen.  But with a little imagination, a roof can be just as fun.

So join me, sit back, and enjoy some fun and funky roofs.

​Looking to upcycle?  This soda can roof will make your friends "green" with envy!

Got any extra material laying around from your last fencing project?  Might as well put it to good use!

Become one with nature...

Worried about wind damage?  Use rocks to weigh your roof down...problem solved!

Stairs on the roof make repairs so much easier.  Why didn't I think of this?

Ever wonder what happens to old tires?

A common question for homeowners when selling their home is whether or not to repair or replace their roof prior to putting their home on the market.  Many homeowners would prefer not to invest the money into a new roof only to pass the home on to new occupants.  However, if your roof shows obvious signs of wear and tear, then replacing the roof prior to listing may be your best choice for several reasons, including:

• It boosts curb appeal.  The outside of your home is the first thing that buyers will see.  A new roof will help to show your home in the best light.
• You may receive fewer offers.  Many potential home buyers can get spooked and choose not to make an offer on a home if it appears to need major repairs.  
• Inspections will bring the issue to light.  If the buyers home inspector makes note of your roof needing repairs or a replacement, the buyer may insist on the repair/replacement of the roof as a condition of sale, or may try to renegotiate the price of your home.
• Mortgage headaches.  Some mortgage lenders will not lend on a home that needs a new roof.  This will mean that your home sale may fall through, and you may be stuck not only replacing the roof anyway, but placing your home back on the market.

If you are planning on selling your home, the best thing that you, as a seller, can do is to have a pre-listing inspection.  At Go2 Prime Roofing, we offer free roof inspections and will gladly send one of our trained professionals to give you an accurate assessment of your roof prior to you putting your home on the market.  

Let's face it.  Gutters, at least for the vast majority of us, are pretty boring.  I mean, they serve a purpose and all, but who really pays much attention?  Well, take a look at some of these gutters, and you might be surprised at how lovely, and interesting, your gutters truly can be. 
​

Oh, copper.  How I adore you.  You can take any home and turn it into a fairy tale.

These round gutters are simple, functional, and lovely to boot!

This gutter proves that attention to detail can be paid to every part of your home.

The industrial vibe is always cool.

These unusual gutters make for a decidedly European vibe.

Rain chains make for a stunning visual presentation.

So which type of gutter is your favorite?  Let us know in the comments below!

When it comes to owning a home, preventative maintenance can save you time and money in the future.  One of the items that you may want to consider is to inspect your roof annually.  To inspect your roof, you may need to use a ladder...but don't climb on the roof yourself, since doing so may cause damage in and of itself.

Inspecting your roof doesn't have to be difficult.  Here's what to look for:

1.  Walk around your home (or climb your ladder) and look for signs of aging.  Visibly sagging, buckled or curled shingles should be noted.

2.  Do you see any areas with algae or leaf accumulation?  These could cause allow water to penetrate and should be removed.

3.  Any missing shingles?  Missing shingles should be replaced.

4.  Do your asphalt shingles still have granules?  Once a shingle loses its granules, it is no longer protecting your home against water and should be replaced.

5.  Are your gutters clean of debris?  If not, then they should be cleaned.

6.  Go into the attic.  Do you see any signs of water damage?  If so, a roof repair or replacement may be in order.

If a visual inspection gives you any hint that your roof might need a repair or a replacement, you may want to reach out to the pros.  Professional roofers know how to repair and install roofing material safely and securely. 

Go2 Prime Roofing offers complimentary inspections and estimates for roof repairs and replacements.  Contact us today and let us help you with your home maintenance needs.

What is a roof puncture? 
A roof puncture is a hole in a roof that can vary in size from very small to quite large.  A roof puncture often pierces the protective materials underneath the shingles, which allows water to enter a home or building.  Flat roofs are especially vulnerable to punctures.

What causes roof punctures?
The most common cause of roof punctures is human activity.  Walking on a roof, and dropping objects (such as tools) on a roof can cause damage.  Other common causes of roof punctures are debris falling on a roof (think tree limbs during a storm), hail, and wildlife.

How can you prevent roof punctures?
While it may not be possible to completely avoid the risk of a puncture to your roof, there are some steps you can take to try to minimize the possibility of it occurring.  One of the main ways to do this is by minimizing foot traffic on your roof, and only allowing professional installers to work on it.  If you install items, such as satellite dishes, to your roof, try to ensure that they are well secured so that they don't blow off in high winds.  Keeping weak tree limbs around the home trimmed can also prevent damage from them falling on your roof during storms.

Should you require a repair to your roof due to a roof puncture, it is always best to contact a professional.  Go2 Prime Roofing is available to provide a free estimate should a puncture occur.  You can schedule your free estimate today by clicking here.

When it comes to replacing a roof, there are so many options to choose from.  These options can often feel overwhelming to the average consumer.  Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of different types of roofing materials.
​

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are incredibly popular, and are the type of material most often seen in use on residential buildings.  The pros of asphalt shingles include the fact that they are inexpensive, lightweight, and come in many varieties.  It is also a good option for its ability to withstand snow and light hail.  Cons for an asphalt shingle include its relatively short lifespan (an average asphalt shingle roof will last approximately 15-30 years).  It can also become damaged in high wind situations.

Metal

Metal roofs are another popular option.  Pros for this material include its long life (50-75 years on average), its energy efficiency (it reflects light, so it keeps the house cooler in the summer), and the fact that it is lightweight.  Metal also holds up to rain and wind really well.  Cons for this material can include cost and noise (you will definitely hear the rain!).  Keep in mind that hail can easily damage a metal roof.

Tile/Slate

Tile​ and slate roofs are popular in the Southwest.  The reasons for its popularity include a long life span (40-50 years), and its resistance to fire.  Tile roofs also have insulating properties.  Repairs for a tile roof can also be relatively simple to do.  Cons for this type of roof include the cost and the weight.  Not all buildings can withstand the weight of a tile roof, and utilizing this type of material may require extra framing.

Composite Shingles

The pros for a composite shingle include the natural look (often mimicking the look of wood or slate), and the lifespan of the material (50 years on average).  This type of material is also resistant to hail and fire.  Cons for a composite shingle include the cost, its lack of insulation and damage that can occur during cycles of freeze and thaw.


When deciding on a roofing material, your roofing professional should be able to assist you in selecting the best material for your job.  Cost, aesthetics, and lifespan of your new roof can all play a part in your selection.

When it comes time to repair or replace your roof, the hardest part can be selecting your contractor.  With an overwhelming amount of choices, it's no wonder that consumers can often find themselves intimidated and confused by the process.  But making the best selection can be simplified by completing the following steps:

1.  Read Online Reviews.  Online reviews can provide you with information based on the experiences of past customers.  How many overall stars does the company have?  Do past customers seem satisfied with the service that they received?  You may find a company with a few dissatisfied past customers, which may be normal.  But if dissatisfaction seems to be the norm, then you may wish to move on to the next company.  

2.  Check the BBB.  Is your contractor BBB accredited?  If so, what is their rating?  A competent contractor should have an A+ rating.  The BBB is also a great place to peruse more consumer reviews.

3.  Get Personal Recommendations.  Ask your friends, family and neighbors in the area who they used, and what their satisfaction levels were with the service that they received.  If they are happy with their contractor, then chances are high that you will be happy as well.

4.  Check Licensing.  Your roofing contractor should hold a valid license with the city.  Checking the status of a license is as simple as giving the city a call, or doing a little research online.  Your contractor should also carry liability insurance, and should be able to provide verification of their coverage upon request.

Completing the above steps should allow a consumer to feel confident in their contractor of choice.  As the old saying goes...knowledge is power!

When we think of severe weather that can damage our roofs, hail is often the first thought that comes to mind.  But did you know that high wind can also cause damage?

When winds reach high enough speeds, shingles can often become loose or fall off completely.  This is especially true along the edges of the roof, where the wind can push the shingles up.  This leaves a roof susceptible to water exposure.  Wind can also cause debris to hit our roofs, such as tree branches and downed power lines. 

Wind can begin to cause damage at speeds of 45 mph or higher.  If you notice that the edges of your roof are curling up, or see shingles laying on the ground around your home, you may have wind damage. 

​If you believe that you may have damage to your roof due to recent wind, our friendly experts will be happy to come to your home to inspect your roof, free of charge.  Contact Go2 Prime Roofing today and set your mind at ease.