Blog

Apr '21

10 Best Roofing SEO Companies for 2021

Roofing SEO companies are few and far between. While some agencies provide SEO services to roofers, very few of them specialize in the roofing industry. Trusting a general SEO company to handle your roofing campaign comes with risk since their data lacks to narrow targeting required to maximize a roofing SEO campaign in 2021. But rest assured that some companies do focus specialty on roofing. Here are ten roofer SEO companies you should consider in 2021:

1) Roofing SEO Webmasters

Roofing SEO Webmasters is the cream of the crop for roofing SEO. As the Michael Jordan of roofer SEO, you can’t go wrong with this agency. They only charge $600 per month with no-long term contractors for newer roofers, so you can really boost your Google presence affordability. Best of all, they offer custom roofing websites with schema markup and a great tool called BrandREVU, making local SEO easier than ever before.

Pros

Considered Top in The Industry
No Long-Term Contracts
BrandREVU Included

Cons

Credit Card Required

Rating: 10/10

2) Roofer’s Guild

Roofer’s Guild is the next best option for roofers though they focus more on marketing and overall web presence. They help with your website, SEO, and content, but they allow roofing companies to spread their wings in 2021. Their pricing packages are very reasonable, and like Roofing Webmasters, they do not force you into long-term agreements.

Pros

Understands the Roofing Industry
Great Resources
Affordable Monthly Fee

Cons

More of Marketing Than Strictly SEO

Rating: 9.5/10

3) Roofing SEO Bros

The relatively new kid on the block of SEO is Roofing SEO Bros. This company looks promising, and we know from word of mouth that they are the real deal. Their prices are once again affordable, and their work with local SEO is innovative and cutting-edge. They focus on long-tail keywords to help roofers rank for outlier services while building more traffic to their primaries. The result is happy clients who stick around long-term.

Pros

Reasonable Monthly Pricing
Custom Websites Included
Works With All Kinds of Roofing Companies

Cons

Less Appealing To Established Roofers
Relatively New Service

Rating: 9/10

4) Roofing Leads Boss

Roofing Leads Boss focuses on lead generation, but you’ll see that they use SEO as their primary process when looking a little closer. Their lead generation system helps local roofers secure qualified and exclusive leads through organic search. Their strategy includes ranking your website and Google My Business listing for relevant keyword terms, which turn into branded exclusive leads for your company.

Pros

Pay Per Lead Model
Innovative Lead-Gen Strategies
Willing To Work With New Roofers

Cons

More Focused on Leads Than SEO
PPL Has its Downside

Rating: 9/10

5) Contractor Webmasters

While it’s not as hyper-relevant as some of the others on this list, the contractor niche is still reasonably narrow—the campaigns required to execute an excellent roofing SEO strategy are similar to foundation repair or masonry, for example. Of course, there are subtle differences, but the folks at Contractor Webmasters thrive on crafting custom campaigns for roofing companies like yours. Their price is similarly affordable, making them one of the more intriguing SEO companies of 2021.

Pros

Affordable Monthly Rates
Cutting-Edge Content Marketing Techniques
Open To All Stages of Roofing Companies

Cons

Not Specific to Roofing Industry
No Link-Building Services

Rating: 9/10

6) Nolen Walker

Nolen Walker has been around the SEO world for decades, and roofing is their specialty. As a more traditional agency model, they also help with logo design and truck wraps, and digital media like Google My Business, YouTube, and Facebook. Any business that’s survived more than a decade in the SEO industry is legitimate since people come and go like hotcakes.

Pros

Long Tenure In SEO Industry
Reasonable Fee
Experience in Roofing Industry

Cons

More of a General SEO Company
Only Offers WordPress Website Development

Rating: 9/10

7) Roofing SEO Now

Roofing SEO Now is a niche-specific SEO agency specializing in roofing. You can rest assured that their SEO campaigns focus on roofing contractors, and they have years of campaign data to work with.

Pros

Very Cheap Pricing
Keyword Research Included

Cons

Subpar Reporting Metrics

Rating: 8/10

8) Roofing Pro SEO

Like many other companies on this list, Roofing Pro SEO focuses on the roofing industry specifically. Instead of dealing with general SEO companies, give these guys a chance since each of their marketing materials is dedicated to your service industry.

Pros

Extremely Affordable
Comes With Website Design

Cons

Support is Questionable

Rating: 7.5/10

9) Roofer Web Marketing

Roofer Web Marketing is a Southern-based SEO company for roofers. If you reside in the south, you may want to give Roofer Web Marketing a call and allow them to handle your campaign. Their pricing is reasonable, and their existing clients can attest to their outstanding performance.

Pros

Great Web Designs
Provides Service Pages

Cons

Websites Don’t Have Many Pages

Rating: 7/10

10) BrandREVU

BrandREVU wrote one of the best SEO guides for roofers, and that knowledge translates to their services. While they also serve other industries like pest control and foundation repair, they have enough knowledge of roofing to get the job done.

Pros

Incredible App for Roofers
Helps Roofers Rank on Maps
Helps Roofers Get More Reviews

Cons

Website Not Included
Might Still Need A Separate Web Design Service

Rating: 10/10

Mar '21

9 SEO Tips for Roofers in 2021

SEO for roofers helps roofing companies rank for industry keywords on Google Search. As the industry has grown more competitive, rankings are harder to achieve. Many roofers grow frustrated with the process, whether using a 3rd party marketing company or performing SEO themselves. In either case, some useful SEO tips can help roofing companies keep their sanity in 2021 and start generating leads.

1) Domains Make a Difference

One of the most overlooked components of a successful SEO strategy is the roofer’s domain or web address. Many roofers operate under the false narrative that any domain can rank on Google. While you can build a domain from scratch, it will take at least 12 months to start ranking for significant keywords (in most cases.) Existing domains have a far better chance of ranking quickly, particularly if they possess the following qualities:

Age: Domains registered over a year or more ago rank better
Backlinks: Domains with an existing backlink profile rank better
Keywords: Domains with keywords in the web address rank better

2) Not All Content is Useful

Another misnomer in the SEO industry is that content is king. There’s an idea that writing a bunch of content guarantees a high-ranking for your website. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, thin content can have the opposite effect on your rankings. 300-word blog posts, for example, hurt roofing websites in most cases, especially when they cover topics already detailed throughout your website. Another example of thin content is city pages or doorway pages that use the same headers and similar content to rank for multiple cities.

3) Local Links Are Crucial

Roofing companies tend to get caught up in follow links vs. nofollow links when the more important distinction has to do with location. A nofollow link from a local directory is more valuable than a follow link from a furniture website in Boise, Idaho. Google doesn’t expect local roofing websites to have national links from Forbes and USA Today, but they value links from local chambers of commerce and other reputable institutions.

4) Google Map 3-Pack is Key

Ranking for organic terms is nice, but the local map pack gets the most clicks. Local roofers should focus on ranking within the Map 3-Pack and present the best possible Google My Business listing with reviews. Since prospects can compare your company against others in the area, most of the conversion process happens directly on the SERP. Google’s Local Map algorithm considers 3 factors: proximity, relevance, and prominence.

5) User Experience Should Take Priority

Since SEO is a form of marketing, some roofers get caught up with the result and lose sight of the process. The ultimate goal is to facilitate a great user experience for website visitors, which takes care of SEO. Consider things like site speed, navigation, and internal linking, along with the most obvious need for quality content. Although Google says bounce rate does not impact SEO, you can be sure that user experience (however defined) influences rankings.

6) Service Pages Rank Better

Some roofers try to rank for all their services on a single page. Here’s some advice, bullet points won’t do the trick. You can’t include TPO roofing as a bullet point on your homepage and expect to rank for the keyword. Instead, you should create the bullet point along with a separate service page for TPO roofing. It would be best if you linked to the service page from the homepage so that Google crawls the URL more easily. Search engines prioritize pages with the most narrow intent meaning a page about TPO roofing will outrank a general page that mentions the term.

7) Keyword Research is Changing

SEO professionals used to rely primarily on tools like SEMRush for keyword volume, but we learn each year that many keywords fall through the cracks, especially in terms of volume. Local keywords may have a much larger search volume than such tools would indicate. It’s best to use your Google Search Console data to monitor queries, impressions, and clicks and cater your content to target those keywords. You can also use lesser-known keyword tools like Answer The Public to gain new insights.

8) Multimedia Engages Users

Text-based content remains essential for rankings, but multimedia is now vital for engagement. Pages with video, audio, and images foster higher engagement than those without such elements. Video, in particular, can keep visitors on your website longer, create familiarity with your company, and increase conversion rates. Upload a video to YouTube and embed it onto your homepage, service pages, and blog posts for the ultimate effect.

9) Branding Influences Search Visibility

One of Google’s primary jobs is to weed out spam websites from their search results. When Google showcases brands to its users, they can feel comfortable that, at the very least, the user is dealing with a legitimate roofing company. So how does Google determine what a brand is? Consider things like your staff and equipment’s unique photos, a robust about us page explaining your company vision, and clear and accurate contact information throughout your website. Each of these things helps establish your roofing company as a brand, which helps with SEO in 2021.

Jan '21

11 Ways to Get Roofing Leads in 2021

Generating guaranteed roofing leads presents a significant hurdle for roofing companies. Most roofers have tried everything from digital marketing to direct mail. Established companies often enjoy the majority percentage of leads while the rest of us get in where we fit in. To start producing more clients, check out these 17 methods to generate roofing leads in 2021.

What is a Roofing Lead?

A roofing lead is a prospect showing interest in your services by submitting their contact information through an online form or phone call.

How Do Roofers Get Affordable Leads?

Roofing companies get leads through promotional strategies like paid advertising, organic SEO, and in-person trade shows or canvassing. Some roofers also pay 3rd party brokers to exchange prospects’ contact information, leading to lower conversion rates.

Kinds of Roof Leads

Generally speaking, there are two types of roofing leads; exclusive and shared. Exclusive leads refer to prospects who contact only your roofing company, while shared leads become available to multiple contractors simultaneously.

Exclusive Leads: Apply only to your company (typically come through marketing)

Shared Leads: Apply to several competing companies (typically come through brokers)

Of course, you also have lead variations by industry. For example, commercial roofing leads contrast residential roofing leads in value and accessibility. Metal roofing leads also enjoy distinct advantages over shingle roofing leads, for example. Supply and demand hold significant influence over cost per lead for roofing professionals.

But enough of that. Here are 17 cool methods to get more leads in 2021:

1) Google Map Pack

Getting leads from Google’s local map pack is a significant ROI. Since businesses can create free listings, the return is a bonus. Of course, you may hire a local SEO expert to optimize your listing, in which case the monthly retainer changes the ROI. However, compared to other methods, Google Maps rankings still produce a far greater return.

2) Facebook Advertising

In 2021, many roofers ask how to get roofing leads on Facebook. The answer is through paid advertising. Posting promotions on your main page doesn’t work well since Google hides most of these posts from your followers. Instead, running paid ad campaigns reaches the most users. You can use Facebook Lead Ads to grab contact information on the spot. Alternatively, you can run a more traditional ad-style and enter users into a robust funnel on your landing page.

3) Search Engine Optimization

SEO for roofers is the best way to generate leads online. It costs nothing to earn an organic position on Google’s first page unless you hire a 3rd party marketing company to optimize your roofing website. Of course, most roofers don’t have time to do the work themselves, which involves writing new service pages and blog posts and then inserting title tags, meta descriptions, and keywords. SEO is an all-encompassing process, but its return can change your company’s position within the industry.

4) Direct Mail

Snail mail seems obsolete, but numbers show its effectiveness remains potent for roofers. Think about it, is a homeowner more likely to check their mailbox or email inbox? The former is the correct answer because of spam. Email inboxes possess almost 1200% more spam than direct mail.

5) Hail Chasing

Hailstorm chasing is not the best idea, but it would be misleading to suggest it doesn’t work. Using tracker apps like Hail Trace, roofers can monitor storms and prepare their team to hit up impacted towns. There’s no dignity in chasing chaos, but there is money involved. Ultimately, hail storm leads are precious and often create a window of growth opportunity for roofing companies.

Roofer's Guild Hail Damage Leads Keys For Contractors

6) PPC Advertising (Google Ads)

Google Ads helps new roofers get on top of Google rankings fast. Even at about a 38% click-through rate, Google Ads still garner engagement from a significant part of the user base. Costs per click are rising because of high competition, but PPC ads remain a legitimate lead generation method for roofers depending on your local area.

7) Door Knocking

Door knocking is harder during Covid-19, but wearing a mask can make it worthwhile. The best time to door-knock is after hail storms since most homeowners seek roofing services directly after the damage.

8) Trade Associations

Most trade associations suspended shows during COVID-19, but they will remain invaluable going forward as a lead generation platform. The main benefit of trade shows is networking. You can build partnerships with suppliers and other industry giants for future lead generation avenues. Your representative should present value when attending association shows so that potential partners have an incentive to work with your company.

9) Email Blasts

We spoke about direct mail as a superior version of email marketing—fewer people open emails in 2021. Still, with the right marketing format, you can convert people through email blasts. The key is customization and personalization. Getting people on your email list is easy, but getting them to respond to flyers, coupons, and specials is far more complicated. That’s why strategizing a personalized email marketing campaign is critical to success in 2021.

10) YouTube Marketing

Roofer’s ability to market videos has grown over the past decade. Most smartphones have HQ cameras to capture roofers at work and on the job. You, too, can get involved with video marketing by uploading your branded videos to YouTube and then embedding those on your website. YouTube is a search engine in itself, meaning some prospects may find you while browsing the popular video platform. Others may see your video on your websites since Google factors in videos when ranking pages on search.

11) Business Partnerships

Joining forces with suppliers can help roofers generate leads in 2021. Whether it’s more prominent brands like Menard’s and Home Depot or smaller, regional suppliers, roofing contractors can get a leg up on competitors. Sometimes roofers can even earn an inbound link from one of the supplier websites, which can indirectly boost lead acquisition through SEO marketing.

Dec '20

Roofing Marketing: An In-Depth Guide for Roofers

How to market a roofing company: it’s a simple question with a complicated variety of answers. Roofer’s Guild has dedicated its life to the cause. For us, it comes before eating, sleeping, and even breathing.

What is Roofing Marketing?

Roofing marketing is the venture or commerce of vending and promoting roofing services and products through publicity and advertising. Marketing can materialize in various forms, including online endorsement and traditional print advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing for Roofers

How do you market a roofing company?

You market a roofing company with various promotion forms, including search engine optimization, Google and Facebook advertising, and content marketing. You can also utilize traditional methods like door knocking, billboard placements, newspaper ads, and radio / TV spots.

How much does a roofing company owner make?

A roofing company owner makes between $50,000 and $200,000 per year, depending on location, tenure, and quality. Of course, salaries both higher and lower than that typical range exist in specific cases.

What are roofing leads?

Roofing leads are potential consumers who initiate inquiries or interest in a roofing service or company. A lead may represent a consumer on varying points in a sales funnel, from someone ready to purchase immediately to someone seeking introductory information about a company, service, or material.

Is a roofer a good job?

Roofing is an excellent job and career for many people. Individuals who possess tremendous organizational skills along with the requisite physical capabilities make ideal roofers. Professional roofers can earn upwards of $200,000 annually with hard work and dedication.

What About Commercial Roofing Marketing?

Commercial roofers sometimes question whether marketing techniques apply only to residential campaigns. The answer is no. While you must alter elements of a campaign to target retail consumers specifically, the framework remains unchanged. The same methods (SEO, PPC, SMM) work for commercial roofing companies. The most important thing is to research your audience and understand who you’re targeting for services.

Modern Marketing for The Forward-Thinking Roofer

Roofer’s Guild will separate modern marketing techniques (digital marketing specifically) from traditional marketing ventures for organizational purposes. Modern marketing can be fast-paced and intimidating to roofing contractors across the world. Still, the possibilities introduced from online promotion are limitless and provide roofers with various channels to grow their business. Let’s review them.

Search Engine Optimization

SEO for roofers provides the highest ROI of any competing marketing technique. However, it comes with caveats that sullen its reputation. First, SEO is much like the wild west because regulations are sparse, and con artists dilute the industry. Since Google conceals its ranking algorithm, some SEO elements are nothing more than an educated guess. Choosing the right digital marketing agency to implement your SEO strategy is critical to your long-term success.

Email Marketing

Roofing email marketing remains an effective strategy for internet promotion. With email blasts specifically, there is a right way and wrong way to execute the method. For instance, blindly sending out email blasts to every one of your subscribers is ineffective and provides negative ROI. In contrast, personalized and custom emails (based on the subscriber’s behaviors) regularly boost sales for roofing companies throughout the U.S.

Content Marketing

Think of content as a currency for roofing lead generation. As more users interact with your content, whether it’s blog posts, YouTube videos, or even podcasts, more prospects materialize as a result. Marketing your content requires two primary steps. First, content creation can be challenging for roofers with limited experience on-camera or behind a computer. The second is content distribution, which demands an understanding of syndication platforms, including various social media channels.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing for roofing companies is often left unattended despite its documented benefits for properly implementing brands. Facebook and YouTube, in particular, are goldmines for roofers. We’ve witnessed countless examples of outgoing roofing owners generating engagement through videos distributed through social media platforms. Most roofing professionals have sales experience, which can easily translate to video with experience and trial.

Pay Per Click (PPC) / Online Advertising

Roofing companies looking for quick responses often invest marketing dollars into paid advertising through platforms like Google, Facebook, and other digital media. Google Ads and Facebook Ads, in particular, have grown in popularity over the past decade. Though PPC is a worthwhile venture for most roofers, it’s ineffective for long-term branding. Consumers attribute your service to the 3rd party platform (like Google) rather than your company, limiting the likelihood of repeat business.

Traditional Marketing for Old-School Roofers

Though digital marketing is now front and center for roofing marketing campaigns, old-school methods are still useful in many cases. Traditionalists may favor old-school techniques over contemporary tactics, but combining traditional and modern marketing practices can produce spectacular results in 2021. Let’s review some of the more conventional roofer marketing methods below.

Billboard Promotion

Promoting your roofing company on a billboard can generate interest, particularly in high-traffic areas. Its impact can occur quickly but tracking precise results is a significant challenge. Billboard advertising works on consumers’ psyche and often on an unconscious level, creating ambiguity regarding its ROI. Additionally, billboards are very costly and can run roofers up to $15,000 in expenses.

Print Advertising

Print ads and newspaper ads, in particular, remain useful for reaching local consumers. Unlike billboards, newspaper ads are affordable and flexible with changes. The primary downside to print advertising is the increasingly limited amount of viewers. Most newspaper subscribers have migrated to online versions of the news, contributing to the rise of digital marketing for roofers.

Radio / Televison Spots

There was a time when roofers relied heavily on radio and TV spots to gain notoriety within their local community. For example, towns hit with hail storms would often hear roofing company ads on their local radio stations, which helped maximize lead generation for roofers. Like with print ads, a large share of radio and TV platforms have been replaced with podcasts and streaming services, respectively, emphasizing the importance of digital marketing ventures.

Door Knocking

Before COVID-19, door knocking remained one of the most effective marketing techniques for roofing contractors. Door knocking is simply a numbers game with an even greater closing rate than telemarketing. Despite its upside, door to door sales presents a set of unique challenges. Perhaps the most poignant is that it’s too time-consuming. Roofers often hire canvassers to scout neighborhoods while they focus on other aspects of the business.

Direct Mail

Think of direct mail as traditional email marketing, that when properly implemented, still works. Some older clients respond to conventional mail more favorably than email and may leave promotional materials around their house or apartment for later viewing (unlike emails). However, measuring open rates and other micro-targeted metrics is impossible. Furthermore, response rates are typically lower than email marketing.

Roofing Marketing Ideas To Consider in 2021

Succesful roofing companies all utilize some form of marketing. Finding unique ways to increase visibility can be competitive and challenging. Roofer’s Guild works with various contractors across the United States to identify innovative measures for lead generation. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective roofing marketing ideas your company can invest in right now:

Custom Website Design

Most roofers have a website, but how many of them are custom? With prominent website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace, custom websites stand out among the crowd. A custom WordPress website can appeal to a greater cross-section of users and please Google’s algorithm in areas where template-based designs fall short.

Social Proof

Generating traffic is the first-step but converting it into a sales funnel entry requires additional measures. Users repeatedly cite social proof as one of the essential factors in informing a purchase decision. Showcasing positive reviews or jobsite check-ins can help humanize your roofing company and instill the necessary trust in future clients as they make a final decision.

CRM Software

Organization is critical to every aspect of your roofing company, including marketing. As you close more sales and perform efficient jobs, clients improve your reputation through online endorsements. A CRM that requests reviews on Google, Facebook, and other platforms helps your marketing efforts and expands your reach.

Roofing Advertising Ideas To Ponder in 2021

There’s a saying in business that you have to spend money to make money. Since its inception, advertising has been part of American culture, and roofing companies with substantial profit margins almost certainly engage in some form of advertising. Intelligently allocating advertising resources towards the proper channels often separates top-rated roofing businesses from their inferior competitors. Let’s spitball some ideas.

Hail Storm PPC

Some contractors might cringe at the thought of targeting towns recently hit by significant hailstorms, but believe it or not, hail storm PPC is one of the most popular advertising ideas for roofers. Sometimes local roofers can strike gold when their primary service area gets hit with hail. They may already have a reputation, and investing in some timely PPC ads can bring them to the next level. If you choose this route, make sure you work only with a qualified and competent PPC campaign manager.

Ad Retargeting

If you’ve ever browsed the web and noticed similar or identical ads on multiple websites, an advertiser is retargeting your IP address. Roofers can utilize the same strategy for potential customers. Both Facebook and Google Ads support retargeting mechanisms that allow you to get in front of qualified prospects while they browse the internet. Repeated visibility often makes a difference in large ticket items like roofing services.

Industry Influencers

Not every roofer is an email or social media marketing expert or has a large enough audience to warrant considerable ROI. But rest assured that people within your industry have a larger audience than you, and many are willing to promote your services on their platforms. Whether someone has a popular roofing YouTube channel or a massive Instagram following, you can pay them to plug your company. Of course, most social platforms now have rules that require the influencer to tag the post as #sponsored so that users know about money changing hands.

Nov '20

What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?

6 Problems From Unattended Gutters

As far as roofing systems go, not a lot of people pay enough attention to their gutters. We find that most people don’t even consider their drains as part of their roofing systems. Please make no mistake about it; your gutters are essential to your roof’s performance and the protection of your home.

The fall season has descended upon us in full force, and winter is just around the corner. And for many regions in the United States, that means increase foliage buildup in their gutters. Unfortunately, many people are probably pondering the question ‘what happens if you don’t clean your gutters?’ around this time of year.

In reality, not cleaning your gutters shouldn’t even be an option. A lot can happen to your roof and your home if you don’t regularly clean your gutters. The team at Roofer’s Guild outlines a few problems that can arise.

1) Rodent and Insect Infestation

When gutters go too long unchecked, they get dirty with foliage and other debris. When they get dirty, clogs form. And it rains while your gutters are clogged, it can cause a lot of problems. One of the most dangerous is insect and rodent infestation. The standing water that can’t drain away from a clogged gutter is a breeding ground for mosquitos. Mosquitoes and other insects that gather around stagnant water is a haven for rodents that eat the insects. Rodent and mosquito presence on your property can be a nuisance at best and a health hazard at worst.

2) Mold and Mildew

You’re going to read a lot about how clogged water can be a problem in this post. Another way that improper gutter maintenance can affect your home is mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew love eating away at organic material – like dead, decaying leaves stuck in your gutter. And any moisture will only speed up the process of mold and mildew growth. Mold can grow and damage other organic materials in your home – like wood in your roofing substrate.

3) Lower Story Water Damage

You may think that perfect seals protect your house’s exterior. However, seams along your home’s perimeter allow water infiltration. When people’s basements, lower garages, and first stories get flooded, the culprit is a clogged gutter. The leaves clog the drainage channels so that water dams up and eventually overflows. The result can cause thousands of dollars of damage.

4) Wasted Landscape Material

This one is more of an annoyance than anything else. But it can also cost you a lot of money if you’ve invested in topsoil, sod, and mulch for your landscape. Heavy rains can easily overflow clogged drains, and all that excess water can wash away your mulch, damage your sod and begin to erode the topsoil. Other concerns include your grass, plants, and flowers.

5) Freezing Water

Rain, clogged drains, and low temperatures are a recipe for disaster. The dammed-up water that stays in your gutter lines can freeze up in cold weather. Water dams are problematic for several reasons. They can cause your gutters to become overloaded and collapse under the weight of the ice. It can also contribute to ice dams on your roof that can do significant shingle and decking. Freezing and thawing ice can push and expand the gutter material, causing cracks and other damage as well.

6) Cosmetic Damage

Lastly, freezing and flooding water in gutters can ruin your soffits and fascia. At the very least, this will cause cosmetic damage to the roofline of your home and affect your ventilation and heating/cooling costs at worst. That’s because your soffits and fascia can help ventilate your basement depending on the type you have installed. And repairing or replacing soffits and fascia can be very expensive.

Don’t Sleep on Your Gutters

It may be hard to consider since your gutters aren’t exactly in plain view every day, but the fact remains that you have to check your gutters and have them cleaned regularly. Cleaning gutters isn’t always fun or safe, so if you need a professional to help maintain your gutters, get in touch with us here at Roofer’s Guild.

At Roofer’s Guild, we are a group of professional, certified, and licensed roofers, and we specialize in connecting homeowners and commercial property owners to these quality roofing companies. Don’t wait to see what happens if you don’t clean your gutters. Get them taken care of today.

Nov '20

Will a Roof Leak With One Shingle Missing?

You may have asked, will a roof leak with one shingle missing? Roofer’s Guild is here to answer with clarity and facts-based evidence to support our claims. But first, let’s imagine the following scenario:

You’re pulling out of your garage in the morning on your way to work. You’re still a little groggy from sleep, and as you back out of your driveway, you see something dark and out of place out of the corner of your eye. You stop your car, scan the area in front of you and see nothing out of the ordinary.

Then you pan upwards and see something dark on your roof that wasn’t there before. At least, I don’t remember you noticing it the other ten thousand times you’ve pulled out of your driveway on the way to work. It’s a small, dark spot on your roofline.

Your eyes finally focus on it, and you realize; it’s a missing shingle. You almost didn’t notice it, but it’s just one missing shingle, so you drive off to work as usual. But as you go through your day, that single missing shingle is nagging you from the back of your mind, and you ask yourself: “will a roof leak with one missing shingle?”

No one wants to find themselves in the above scenario, but the hypothetical homeowner/commuter/worker who serves as its main character asks a fundamental question. You may be able to relate to this fictional character and have asked yourself the same problem.

The fact is that you shouldn’t ignore a missing shingle because one, humble wayward shingle, could spell big trouble for your roof. In the following post, we will answer the question: will a roof leak with one shingle missing? To do so, we must go over two more scenarios.

The Shingle Was Sitting Above a Seam

If you are seeing a single shingle missing from your roof, chances are you are dealing with what’s called a 3-tab asphalt shingle. Contractors install 3-tab shingles side-by-side, starting from the edge of the roof, while the subsequent upper layers are installed side-by-side but staggered above the lower level to cover up the seams.

Maybe you can already see where we are going with this. The answer to the question, “will my roof leak with one shingle missing?” will depend on the placement of that missing shingle. If the shingle were sitting above one of these seams, you would most likely experience a leak.

While these seams may be minute, water will find its way into any gap on your roofline. You should still understand that the initial days after you notice that there’s a shingle missing from your roof could be deceptive.

That’s because, in this situation, a roof will not begin to leak immediately. With asphalt roofing shingles, there will be a layer of roofing felt underneath the shingles. Roofing felt is installed as a backup if any leakage occurs in the first layer of defense (your shingles) for your roof.

But it’s essential also to know that roofing felt is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a sheet of felt paper. If you think this layer of felt will protect your home for very long, you may be in for a rude awakening.

An exposed felt paper might be able to hold up for a couple of months in dry conditions. But a couple of days of rain will make short work of it. That’s why just because you don’t see any leaks a few days after a shingle tab has blown off doesn’t mean that a leak isn’t coming.

The Shingle was NOT Sitting Above a Seam

Sometimes you get lucky in life. Maybe your tab was not sitting atop a seam. In this case, your roof is still fairly shored up, and you won’t experience a roof leak at all. But that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels.

It would help if you still got the shingle replaces as soon as possible because the lower shingle’s exposed portion won’t survive extended exposure to the elements. 3-tab shingles are coated with asphalt to help make them waterproof.

But the lower portions of the tab contain more protective granules than the upper part. That means the upper part has a shorter shelf life if it has suddenly become exposed. The seam maintains coverage, but soon the shingle’s upper tab’s integrity will be compromised and fail.

The upper shingle portion’s granules will wash away quicker in the rain and become more brittle under UV radiation.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Missing Shingles?

Like any roofing project, shingle replacement will depend on the materials you opt for and the contractor you choose. But in the previous scenarios, we talked about standard 3-tab asphalt shingles – which are less expensive than architectural shingles – so we will stick with this example.

The average cost of replacing a 10 x 10 square foot area of standard asphalt shingles is between $100 and $350. That may sound high but compare that to the average price to repair a leaking roof – which runs between $300 and $1,100 – and there will be a clear-cut winner.

In either scenario, it is always best to replace the shingle as soon as possible. It’s the only way you can protect your roof from leaks and other forms of property damage. Besides, replacing a few missing shingles is much less expensive than repairing a leaking roof.

Don’t Wait Around for Roof Leaks

As soon as you notice one, or two, or three or more missing shingles from your roof, it’s time to take action. Roofer’s Guild is considered the top residential roofing company in the United States. There is not a roofer alive who is even in the stratosphere of Roofer’s Guild’s excellence. We are the absolute best roofers, and nobody beats us. We can provide services that will wow you and also remain affordable. We are the best.

Nov '20

What To Do About Roof Hail Damage (Tips + Suggestions)

Hail damage is one of the most common roofing insurance claims in the United States. Hail can cause severe damage to your roof, your vehicles, and your property in general – especially when it’s paired with strong winds.

Roof hail damage can certainly be troubling, but you must know what to do about it as soon as it occurs. While the safety of yourself and your family certainly comes first in any severe weather situation, it’s crucial to take action as soon as you can if you think your roof has sustained hail damage.

But before you can take action, you need to educate yourself on a few important aspects of roof hail damage. In the following post, Roofer’s Guild will discuss roof hail damage and share some firsthand tips on dealing with it from our professional roofers. But first thing’s first.

Why is Hail Damage Bad for a Roof?

To drive home the seriousness of roof hail damage and provide an incentive to act as quickly as possible, you need to know the various ways in which hail damage can affect your roof:

Ice Dams

Hailstones are insidious – even if they don’t cause immediate damage. Hailstones about an inch in diameter and under are considered generally harmless for most roofing materials upon impact. But even these smaller stones can cause delayed damage to your roof in the form of ice dams. Ice dams occur when hail, sleet, or snow is allowed to rest on the roof, melt under the sun, and freeze again. The expansion and contraction of the ice can crack shingles and cause major leaks.

Impact Damage

Hailstones don’t have to be big to cause impact damage. If propelled by high winds or pick up enough undisturbed velocity on the way down, they can dent and break shingles. They can also cause asphalt shingles to split, exposing the roofing felt underneath.

Loss of Granules

Asphalt shingles get coated with granules that add an extra layer of protection from the elements. These granules are imperative to the structural integrity of the shingle. Even when hailstones cause seemingly minor damage like dents and dimples, you may not see displaced granules. Hail impact exacerbates granule loss, and over time, the shingle will fail and expose your roof.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Hail Damage?

In many cases, primary homeowners’ insurance will cover the roof damage since it is part of the property. But there are certain caveats to consider. For instance, most homeowners’ insurance will cover property damage if it was unavoidable.

“Unavoidable” can be tricky work in terms of insurance policies. In plain English, unavoidable insurance situations include fires, vandalism, lightning strikes, wind damage, falling debris, snow damage, and hail damage.

It seems pretty simple, right? If your roof incurs damage from any of those situations, your insurance provider will cover the repair costs. But it’s never that simple. Even unavoidable damages can be costly in some instances. Some of these situations include:

Lack of Maintenance

Most insurance companies consider regular roofing maintenance the responsibility of the homeowner. Upon inspection of roof hail damage, if the insurance company determines you could have prevented the damage with regular maintenance, they may not cover the costs. An important note: this goes for all types of roofing damage, not just hail damage.

Subpar Installation/Design

Another instance in which your insurance company may deem roof damage as “avoidable” is if they determine that incompetence caused the damage during design or installation. If your insurer believes that the contractor used inadequate tools, equipment, and methods during installation, they won’t be likely to cut you a check for your roof hail damage.

How to Respond to Roof Hail Damage

So what do you do after you have ensured that you and your family are safe after a hail storm? Here are the tips that our contractors shared with us.

Contact your Insurance Provider

Some people will tell you that the first thing to do is contact a roofing contractor to inspect if you suspect that you have hail damage. Inspections aren’t bad advice. But your insurance company may be able to cover the cost of the examination. But contacting your insurance provider is essential for another reason. If you aren’t up to date with your policy, now is the perfect time to get all the details. Suppose there is, in fact, damage. In that case, you should have a point of contact (get your representative’s extension and info during this initial call) established with your insurance company as soon as possible. A connection makes it easier to get the claims ball rolling if needed.

Contact Contractors

Yes, we said contractors with an S. Even if you have a roofing contractor you usually work with, it’s still advisable to get estimates from multiple companies to ensure the best price. Bonus tip: try to work with contractors who offer roof insurance claim service.

Clear your Gutters

If you can safely clean your gutters after a hail storm, do it. Clean gutters will help hail pellets clear off of your roof and help avoid ice dams.

Inspect your Interiors

It is also important to carefully inspect your interiors, including your attic, if you can access it. Check out the upper floors of your home, keeping an eye out for leaks and water damage on the ceilings and along the walls. Discoloration, dark streaks, sagging, and of course, dripping water are all things you should monitor. If you see any of this, seek the help of an emergency roofer ASAP.

The Best Response

Getting in touch with us here at Roofer’s Guild will give you access to quality roofers in your area to help you with roof hail damage. Don’t hesitate, contact us at the first sign of roof hail damage. Our contractors are licensed and certified enabling them to address damages throughout your roofing structure. Trust in a credible roofing company with your hard-earned dollars.

Oct '20

The Pros & Cons of Rubber Roofing

If you have ever heard of rubber roofing before, you have probably heard it talked about for commercial buildings. Rubber roofing, sometimes referred to as EPDM or TPO roofing, is a popular choice for commercial roof installation. It holds several benefits for more extensive facilities that need a cost-effective roofing system that will also perform well in severe weather conditions.

But for these reasons and others, rubber roofing may be the answer to your residential roofing difficulty as well. The fact is that rubber roofing presents many benefits, and there are only a few drawbacks to it. Whether you require a high-performance roofing system for your home or your business, you should know all the pros & cons of rubber roofing. In the following post, Roofer’s Guild will be going over all the critical points you need to know about this roofing material.

What are the Benefits of Rubber Roofing?

Rubber roofing has been around since the ’60s. The story of how it became a popular option is pretty impressive too. EPDM roofing had its heyday in the ’70s because back then, an oil embargo in the Middle East made high-quality asphalt roofing materials both hard to come by and expensive.

As an alternative, people started turning to rubber roofing and quickly noticed the many benefits it held. EPDM roofing has been around for over half a century, and there is plenty of reasons why:

Affordability – EPDM roofing is one of the most inexpensive materials you can select for your property. It can cost as little as $3.25 per square meter, whereas other roofing materials can be as much as $16.50 (TPO) per square meter.
Ease of Installation – Rubber roofing materials are very lightweight and more straightforward to install than many other roofing systems. Rather than being welded together to form a tight seal, most rubber roofing systems are a continuous, single ply. They then adhere to the roofing substrate with industrial roofing adhesive—no need for cutting, shearing, or welding. As a result of the ease of installing rubber roofing systems, the cost lowers, making it even more affordable.
Safety – One of the most significant drawbacks of many other roofing systems is a fire hazard. But rubber roofing is extremely flame retardant. Having rubber roofing on your building is equivalent to placing a fire-resistant shield on top of your building. Not only can it delay the spread of flames during a structure fire, but it can also resist catching flames from a structure fire nearby.
Weather Resistance – Rubber roofing is composed of a cross-linked material. Such material is exceptionally resistant to severe weather by merit of its chemical makeup. It is resilient, so it stands up to hail impact damage very well; it doesn’t catch fire even when struck by lightning, and it provides excellent water-proofing even in the face of torrential downpours. Plus, rubber roofing is inherently a low-profile roofing system, which means it won’t be a hazard in high winds either.
Lowered Insurance – Insurance companies are willing to offer discounts between 5 and 35 percent if you install a roof that protects against impact, hail, and lightning damage. And as explained in the previous point, rubber roofing is resistant to all such damage. Installing a rubber roof could, therefore, save you even more money in annual insurance coverage costs.
Longevity – Seams are typically what make a roofing system weak. When there are many seams, there are many opportunities for water to get between those seams, damage the roof and wreak havoc on the entire building. But with rubber roofing, there are little to no seams created during installation. A lack of seams makes it an incredibly durable roofing option. So how long does a rubber roof last? An adequately installed rubber roofing system (particularly EPDM roofing) can last for 50+ years.

What are the Disadvantages of Rubber Roofing?

There is not much to mention in terms of the drawbacks of this kind of roofing system. And in fact, many of the flaws are avoidable with a few tweaks.

Appearance – Rubber roofing looks very plain, industrial, and sometimes, downright ugly. Many people don’t even consider it an option for their homes because it can make a house look. However, some manufacturers are now producing rubber roofing strips that resemble standard shingles.
Heat Absorption – Another typical drawback of rubber roofing systems is that the materials usually come in flat black, which can absorb a lot of heat and drive up your cooling costs. But once again, it’s avoidable. Rubber roofing now comes in lighter, more UV reflective colors to address this shortcoming. Furthermore, rubber roofing materials can easily be coated with acrylic paint to make them more reflective and add another layer of protection to the material.
Load Bearing – Many people ask us, “can you walk on a rubber roof?” The answer is usually maybe. Rubber roofs can take light foot traffic but require fortification if you need to load building and construction materials onto them if you add a balcony, deck, or second story to your building. Many people see this as a disadvantage, but it can be negated by adding additional materials to make them stronger.

Helping you Make the Right Choice

Whether you are trying to decide which roofing system is right for your property or need quality roofing contractors, we can help. We are Roofer’s Guild, and we are dedicated to connecting consumers to top-quality roofers in their area. Our team of roofers extends across the United States and is growing every day. We are the top collective in the country.

Oct '20

6 Best Residential Roof Repair Companies in Sugar Land, TX

Residential roof repair is not the cheapest home improvement project you are likely to face. With the average cost of simple asphalt shingle repair in Texas hovering around $95 an hour minus the cost of materials, you need to know you are getting the most value possible from the contractors you hire.

But it’s not always easy to find the best residential roof repair contractor. But here at Roofer’s Guild, we have dedicated our professional lives to connecting consumers with the highest quality contractors in their area.

To help the Sugar Land residents in Texas, we have composed this list of the six best residential roof repair options in Sugar Land, TX.

1) Sugar Land Premier Roofing

In terms of residential roofing services, Sugar Land Premier Roofing has one of the most comprehensive lists. Their residential roof repair service runs the gamut from initial inspections to complete roof repair. Sugar Land Premiere Roofing endears itself to many of its customers by following up with them once the project is complete. Sugar Land Premier Roofing is also a veteran-owned business.

But perhaps the reason why this particular company is ranked so high across many platforms is the fact that they have been in business for 25 years. Experience is one of the deal-breakers for many consumers who are interviewing roof contractors. It speaks not only of experience but a commitment to customer satisfaction. If you have been in business for a quarter of a century, the perception is that you must be doing something right.

Rating: 5.0

2) Rose Roofing

Rose roofing is an example of a roofing company that is keeping up with the times. Rose Roofing offers its customers virtual consultations regarding the health and safety requirements during the COVID-19 epidemic. Rose Roofing also puts their customers’ minds at ease by being an Owens Corning certified residential roof repair company.

And Rose Roofing has the experience that would make any roofing contractor green with envy. They are a third-generation company that has been in business since 1972! They provide several residential repair services and give their customers many material options from which to choose.

Rating: 4.9

3) Brinkman Quality Roofing Services, Inc.

Brinkman Quality Roofing Services, Inc. has gained a reputation for delivering on its promises. They represent one of the most reliable and trustworthy residential roof repair choices Sugar Land TX. One of Brinkman’s reasons is such a trusted choice for new customers because they offer a comprehensive 100% satisfaction guarantee on many projects.

Brinkman Quality Roofing Services, Inc. also provides many specialty home improvement services like siding replacement and custom gutter installation.

Rating: 4.9

4) Roof Repair Squad

If you are looking to save some money on your residential roof repair project, you may want to look up Roof Repair Squad. Servicing the greater Houston area, Roof Repair Squad provides affordable and speedy repairs for some of the most common roofing problems like leaks, roof storm damage, and shoddy work done by amateur roofers.

Like Rose Roofing, Roof Repair Squad is an Owens Corning certified roofing contractor company that means that they can offer some of the longest-lasting warranties in the business.

Rating: 4.9

5) Battalion Roofing

Run by an expert in the architectural and design industry, Battalion Roofing is a quickly growing company that thrives on quality. They offer several specialty roof repair services and are known for excellent customer service, with the owner responding to customer inquiries much of the time.

Battalion Roofing also provides contactless payment options for COVID safety, and they enforce social distancing rules for their crew members.

Rating: 4.7

6) Punum Roofing of Houston Inc.

Punum Roofing is one of the top choices for residential roofing services in Sugar Land, TX, because they pretty much do everything your roof may need. From inspections to new roof construction, they have named themselves one of the most professional and capable roofing contractors in the greater Houston area.

And with half a century of residential roofing work guiding the company, Punum Roofing is one of the most experienced companies in the area.

Rating: 4.6

Insist on Quality and Value

Here at Roofer’s Guild, we are all about recognizing companies that exhibit excellence in roofing and helping them connect with customers. Whether you need residential roof repair Sugar Land, TX, or are a contractor who wants to become a part of our community, know that we emphasize quality and value.

Sep '20

11 Best Roofers in Fort Worth, TX (w/Ratings)

Are you searching for the best roofers in Fort Worth, TX? Roofer’s Guild has compiled a list of the top 11 roofing contractors in the city, many of whom also service surrounding areas.

Finding the right roofer for your project can be challenging – even with all the resources available on the internet. You will want a roofer who is communicative without being a distraction, affordable without skimping on quality, and one who offers excellent customer service.

These are the attributes that make for the best roofing contractors. Here at Roofer’s Guild, we offer commercial roofing services in Fort Worth, TX. We also house an online community of the best roofers globally so that businesses and homeowners can find a certified roofing company in their area.

We have put together this list of the 11 best roofers in Fort Worth for two reasons:

1) We want to help any home or business owner out there find the right contractor for their roofing needs and

2) To help aspiring roofing contractors see what others are doing right so that they can emulate their success.

If, at any time, you want to connect with a professional roofing contractor in your area, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Roofer’s Guild. But for now, let’s take a look at the best roofers in Fort Worth.

1 ) Fort Worth TX Roofing Pro

For consumers, Fort Worth TX Roofing Pro is a staple because they offer a wide variety of roofing and home improvements services such as garage door repair and siding services. They also stand out from a business/marketing standpoint because their website is clean and provides all the information someone may need on their landing page.

Rating: 4.8 Stars

2) Ramon Roofing

Ramon Roofing is a trusted roofing contractor company capable of installing and repairing a wide variety of commercial and residential roofs. They put their customers at ease by displaying several professional and industry certifications right on their website, which is also an excellent digital marketing practice.

Rating: 4.4 Stars

3 ) Patrick’s Roofing

Patrick’s Roofing Company is an exemplary contracting business that stands out because of its emphasis on customer service. They provide many useful video content right on their website and plainly describe how they carry out their work on the customer’s property. They even go out of their way to list and describe the types of roofing products they use to give customers confidence in the quality of materials.

Rating: 4.8 Stars

4) Pitts Roofing Inc.

Pitts Roofing has been around for a long time, and in the roofing business, longevity is a sign of reliability. Pitts Roofing and Construction has been around since 1992, and you don’t last that long in this business if you are not doing quality work. Their experience is a clear advantage to consumers. In addition to the city itself, they provide services in surrounding areas and make it easy to book an estimate online.

Rating: 4.3 Stars

5) Lon Smith Roofing & Construction

Lon Smith Roofing & Construction is an example of being successful as a roofer during this pandemic. They clearly explain that they practice safe social distancing when they service their customers’ properties. They also provide a detailed breakdown of some of their more popular services, so their customers know what to expect.

Rating: 4.8 Stars

6) Pro Select Roofing

If you are looking for a company that values customer service, Pro Select Roofing is a great choice. They provide helpful assistance when you need to file a roofing insurance claim and make it a point to be very responsive to customer inquiries.

Rating: 5.0 Stars

7 ) Jeff Eubank Roofing Co. Inc

This company stands as a shining example of the value of superior technical proficiency. Jeff Eubank Roofing Co. Inc is capable of large scale, complex roofing projects, and they have gained a reputation for being able to complete jobs on time.

Rating: 4.3 Stars

8) Compass Roofing

Keeping up with the times is very important in any business. Compass Roofing is a roofing contractor business that understands this very well. They utilize hi-tech infrared imaging to assist in their roofing inspections. And on the marketing side, they are also a company that understands the importance of customer reviews.

Rating: 5.0 Stars

9) Alliance Roofing

It is often helpful in the roofing business to carve out a specialty niche. Alliance Roofing has done just that, which is why they are one of the most prominent roofing contractors in the Fort Worth area. They are known for quality flat roof installation and repair and offer different specialty commercial roofing services.

Rating: 4.3 Stars

10) DK Haney Roofing

DK Haney combines both special training and experience in their roofing services. They focus on commercial roofing services and have been around since 1991. They boast an impressive portfolio and have a track record that any roofing contractor would find envious.

Rating: 4.4 Stars

11) Top Rated Roofing

Last but not list is Top Rated Roofing – a company that values a high degree of craftsmanship. They are a full-service roofing company that goes above and beyond for their clients – meeting with claims adjusters, providing free roofing inspections, and using premium materials. For fellow contractors, Top Rated Roofing has been able to achieve sustained success in part by offering a variety of home improvement services like painting and light carpentry.

Rating: 5.0 Stars

For Customers and Contractors

Whether you require a professional roofer you can count on or a roofing contractor looking for more resources to help you reach your potential, we are here to help. Roofer’s Guild is all about giving contractors tools for success and putting customers in touch with only the industry’s best roofers. For all things roofing, reach out to us here at Roofer’s Guild.