Blog

Mar '22

Roofing Leads Seattle: #1 Lead Generation Guide for Roofers

Roofing leads in Seattle come from various sources, but they are all acquired through the same tactics: SEO, PPC, Facebook Ads, Referrals, and Digital Marketing. Sometimes, traditional methods like door-knocking also generate leads in the Pacific Northwest.

The question for Seattle roofing contractors is – do you want to buy leads or generate them yourself? Buying leads is more expensive and less sustainable than manual lead generation. However, many roofers face the problem of not getting any leads, especially when first starting.

In the following guide, Roofer’s Guild breaks down how to generate roofing leads in Seattle, Washington. Before you know it, you can be the king of lead generation in Emerald City.

Table of Contents

Buying Leads vs. Lead Generation

The first decision you have to make is buying leads or generating leads. At Roofer’s Guild, we recommend lead generation because it produces more ROI and helps build a sustainable roofing business. However, some contractors may have to buy leads at the very beginning. Even so, you should still set up your own lead generation process.

Buying Roofing Leads

You can buy Seattle roofing leads from places like HomeAdvisor or Angi at an average cost of $50. However, buying leads enters your roofing company into the gig economy, making it dependent on another entity for new customers. While using this strategy in the short term can keep you afloat, you must parlay it into your own branded lead generation sources.

Generating Roofing Leads

Your business will ascend once you establish reliable lead generation sources under your brand. For example, your company website, Google Business Profile, and social media pages will serve as roofing lead sources in Seattle. You will not need to purchase leads once you start getting consistent leads from these branded online assets.

Lead Generation Methods for Seattle Roofers

There are some tried and true methods to get more inquiries online. Many roofers have been utilizing these strategies for decades, while others have lagged and suffered the consequences. The good news is that it’s never too late to implement these tactics and start getting new clients.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the best way to get Seattle roofing customers in 2024. You can expect a consistent stream of organic leads by optimizing your website and Google Business Profile for the right keywords.

The best part about SEO is that your rankings are free. So you don’t have to pay when somebody clicks on your website page or business listing. Local SEO is a sub-category of search engine optimization that involves ranking your Google Business Profile in the Local Map 3-Pack results.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

PPC is another way to get new customers by paying for clicks. Google Ads is the most common platform for PPC, as roofing companies can advertise a lead capture landing page for specific Google keywords.

PPC lacks the long-term ROI of SEO since roofers must pay each time a person clicks on their ad. In addition, these clicks may be lower quality than organic ones in some cases because customers ready to buy roofing services often distinguish paid results from their organic counterparts.

Facebook Ads

Facebook Ads are similar to PPC in that roofers pay to advertise their services on a popular platform. The difference with Facebook Ads is that you can target consumers based on demographics and interests.

You can also create Facebook Lead Ads to capture new clients directly on the Facebook platform. Facebook Ads are typically more visual than Google Ads, and intriguing the audience requires a creative advertisement.

Referrals

Once your company starts getting customers through various online sources, you will see an uptick in referrals. Essentially, a satisfied customer will tell friends and family members about your services, and you will get calls from those conversations.

Some Seattle contractors even set up referral programs to incentivize existing customers to spread the good word about your company. These customers might get a discount or coupon for each referral they send to your business.

Online communities like Nextdoor present an opportunity for digital referrals, as homeowners may spread the word about a positive roofing experience to their online neighbors. You might also consider joining Seattle-area roofing associations to expand your network.

Digital Marketing

Roofing companies can use other forms of digital marketing to get new customers. For example, email marketing is a method of sending automated emails to potential customers or even existing ones needing future services.

One way to build your email list is by offering a lead magnet on your website. Maybe you make a white paper or PDF available for download after visitors submit their email addresses. Even if these users don’t become clients immediately, they may eventually use your services.

Top Lead Generation Platforms for Emerald City Roofers

Now that you know the methods for lead generation let’s explore the top platforms on which to implement these strategies. Of course, most companies know that Google is the leading search engine in the United States, but other platforms can also help Seattle-area roofing companies get customers.

Google

Google is the #1 search engine globally and certainly in Seattle. You can employ multiple strategies to get leads from Google, including SEO and PPC. In addition, Google Business Profile is a free business listing that allows you to rank for Seattle-area keywords on the Local Map 3-Pack.

Of course, you can also rank your website on traditional organic results. In addition, Google Ads is the top PPC platform and can yield reasonable costs per click with the correct keyword research strategy.

Facebook

Facebook is the top social media network in the U.S. and will continue to grow with its Meta brand initiative. The Metaverse is the future of the internet, and Seattle-area companies should utilize this platform ASAP.

For now, a Facebook Business Page remains a viable source of lead generation, especially if you’re willing to run Facebook Ads targeting homeowners in the Seattle, Washington area.

YouTube

YouTube is great for building your company’s brand and establishing trust and credibility in Emerald City. Roofing contractors comfortable sharing their on-the-job work in video form can benefit from the exposure.

YouTube also helps your company website if you embed your videos on high-traffic pages. Video content is proven to convert visitors at a higher rate than only text content. In addition, you can share YouTube videos on social media platforms like Facebook.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is an online community for neighborhoods. Just as neighbors would spread positive and negative feedback about roofing companies to their neighbors pre-internet, they do the same thing now online.

As you know, word of mouth travels much faster in digital form. As a result, building credibility in Seattle neighborhoods can get the word out quickly about your roofing business.

Screenshot of Nextdoor page for Seattle, WA

The Bottom Line for Seattle Roofing Companies

Whether you buy leads or generate them yourself, the inquiries come through the same platforms and use the same methods. Therefore, to grow your business long-term, you must take ownership of the lead generation process rather than paying a 3rd party that utilizes that process.

Buying leads keeps your Seattle roofing company in the gig economy and hinders its growth and sustainability. In contrast, building branded lead-gen sources across the internet landscape can produce consistent leads and put your company on the fast track to success.

Mar '22

Ranking the Best Types of Roofing Nails (2024 Update)

As a roofing contractor, you probably know the value of using the proper roofing nails for the project. But all too often, these unsung heroes of the industry go overlooked. The types of roofing nails you use may not be a deal-breaker for your customers, but your reputation is on the line if you use the wrong kinds.

While your customers will likely be more concerned with the kinds of shingles and vent caps used in the project, as a contractor, you must know the best types of roofing nails to use for each job.

Below, Roofer’s Guild closely looks at some of the best roof nail types in 2024.

Table of Contents

1) Stainless Steel Roofing Nails

Our list starts with stainless steel roofing nails because they are a happy medium between more expensive galvanized steel roofing nails and less expensive aluminum nails. Plus, they have some unique advantages.

First of all, stainless steel holds up very well to corrosion and rust, making it a reliable choice in many different climates. In particular, stainless steel roofing nails are probably your best option if you are working on a property in an area with a lot of salt in the air (properties near the beach, for instance).

Stainless steel roofing nails are also a solid choice when corrosion is a factor, but you must keep project costs low.

2) Metal Cap Roofing Nail

Metal cap roofing nails or steel-capped roofing nails are a good choice if installing rolled roofing systems. The main advantage of metal cap roofing nails is that they have a larger head, allowing more surface area to hold onto materials.

These types of nails offer a very reliable hold, which is why they work great for heavier roofing materials. In addition, they typically have a heavier shank gauge, which also improves their holding power over typical roofing nails.

If your project requires even more protection, these roof nails can also be electro-galvanized to make them more corrosion-resistant.

3) Galvanized Coil Roofing Nails

This is probably the most common type of roofing nail. Galvanized coil nails are so common because they tend to be the most affordable kind of roofing nails. In addition, galvanized coil nails have a zinc coating that allows them to stand up to corrosion reasonably well.

The drawback to these kinds of roofing nails – what makes them the most affordable option – is that the zinc coating is not made to last forever. Therefore, these kinds of nails typically have a shorter lifespan than others we will mention in this list.

Eventually, the zinc coating strips away, exposing raw steel. The raw steel will then begin to rust, and replacement will likely be required.

4) Copper Roofing Nails

Moving down the list, we have copper roofing nails. You will want to use copper roofing nails if you are installing slate tile roofing and copper sheet metal roofing systems.

Because slate roof tiles are held only by roofing nails, you need to ensure that you use at least copper nails instead of galvanized nails.

Copper nails will also make your job easier if a slate tile needs to be replaced in the future. You will also need to use copper nails to install copper valleys. If you install any copper roofing components, you must use copper nails.

Copper isn’t indestructible, though. Like galvanized coil roofing nails, copper roofing nails have an outer layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. The copper nail will be exposed to the elements when the zinc layer erodes.

5) Plastic Cap Roofing Nails

While plastic cap roofing nails aren’t the most rugged and durable kind of roofing nails on our list, they certainly have their place. That’s why you will likely see these nails on most roofing job sites. These are ring-shank-type nails typically made of high-carbon steel.

Plastic cap roofing nails are typically used to hold lighter roofing materials in places such as underlayment, vapor barriers, base sheets, or soundproofing materials.

These are ideal for when you are at the stage of installing the roofing felt but don’t have the shingles yet. In addition, plastic cap roofing nails can hold materials in place and prevent leaks.

6) Ring Shank Coil Roofing Nails

As the name implies, ring shank coil roofing nails are threaded. This is a very durable and reliable type of roofing nail because when you drive them, the threading creates a locking effect with the wood fibers you are working with.

They cannot be removed easily and hold up very well in high-wind areas.

Ring shank coil roofing nails are also ideal when working on a property where expansion and contraction are factors.

You can also use them effectively when working with softwoods or roofing materials that might split if driven with a regular nail.

As a result, they are an excellent choice for underlayment, asphalt shingles, and even siding.

Feb '22

Commercial Roof Repair Process (Step-by-Step for 2024)

Commercial Roof Repair Process (Blog Cover)

The commercial roof repair process can be intimidating and stressful for business owners.

When you know that you need commercial roof repairs, you may think you will need to shutter your doors for some time or deal with very high repair prices.

This may not always be the case, however.

The fact is that many things could be wrong with your commercial roof, from minimal, quick fixes to major repairs.

It’s essential to remember that roof repair is much less expensive than a complete commercial reroof.

So, with some due diligence, you can avoid paying thousands of dollars for a completely new roof. But you have to be vigilant.

So keep a sharp eye on your roof, and be sure to take action when you see anything amiss.

Besides, you don’t have to be intimidated by the commercial roof repair process.

Roofer’s Guild developed a guide for what you can expect during the commercial roof repair process to show you what we mean.

Check out our commercial roofing terms to better understand the content.

Table of Contents

Interior Inspection Process

The first thing a roofing contractor will do is inspect the interior of the building, as that is the most important place to check for damage.

Why? If roof damage has caused a compromise to the structural integrity of the interior spaces, it could be a significant safety hazard.

A roofing contractor will generally look for signs of water damage, like discoloration in the walls and mold.

They will also identify where there might be any breaks in the roof covering that expose the interior spaces to the elements.

Most of the interior inspection will be done visually or using simple tools like a flashlight.

However, the contractor wants to get up in your attic or upper storage areas below the roof to look for interior damage.

In general, the internal inspection process is pretty simple and non-invasive.

However, the time that it takes can vary widely depending on the size of your commercial building.

The interior inspection identifies potential safety hazards.

Exterior Inspection Process

Next, contractors should check out the roofing system from the outside.

They will be looking for visual signs of damage like missing shingles, curled shingles, impact damage to single-membrane roofing structures, damaged flashing, old and worn-out caulk, and visible signs of roof leaks and damage to the gutter system.

As you can imagine, this will entail getting up on the roof and looking closely at the entire roofing system.

As getting up on the roof for an inspection can be dangerous, you should ensure that any roofer you work with is licensed, insured, and bonded.

In your state, a roofing contractor may not need to be bonded.

The requirements for roofing contractors vary by state.

Here is a handy guide to figuring out the license requirements for roofers in your state.

Estimation Process

Once your roof has been thoroughly evaluated and if repairs are needed, the roofing contractor will draw up an estimate for the work.

Here is what the assessment should include:

The cost of materials required to complete the job

The cost of the labor for the job

Details about the existing condition of the roof

A report of the recommended repairs

A timeline for the work

Keep in mind that timelines are subject to change depending on things like weather conditions, workforce, and the demands of your business.

However, the repairs can begin once you agree on the estimate terms.

As a consumer, you should compare estimates of at least three different roofing contractors.

As a roofing contractor, you should be sure to make your estimate as complete and easy to understand as possible.

Be open to fielding questions about the estimate, too, as most business owners may not be familiar with industry terms that you include in the forecast.

Repair Process

The repair process will vary depending on what is wrong with your roof. For example, if your roof’s flashing has been damaged, the contractor will surely replace it with new flashing.

Generally, areas with worn-out sealant will be re-caulked or tarred to ensure a tight and secure seal.

Missing or damaged shingles will also be replaced.

However, if you know that the job will entail shingle replacement, be sure to ask your contractor if they work with the same types of shingles you currently have on your roof.

Areas of plywood that have sustained damage will also need to be replaced.

If that is the case, your repair process will also include the use of tar-based caulking to shore up the seams.

Felt sheeting may also be stapled or glued to the roofing system.

Caulk is then used on and around the staples to ensure a water-tight seal.

The repair process becomes more complex if your roof has sustained decking damage.

First, reframing may be required to fix any punctures in the roof decking.

Of course, this will also entail the installation of new sheathing and rebuilding the underlayment of the roof.

Then, the structure will have to be tested to ensure it’s waterproof and sealed up as tight as possible.

Damage to the decking increases the complexity of the repair process.

Final Thoughts on How to Fix a Commercial Roof

A wide range of problems can emerge with commercial roofs, and the repairs will vary based on what exactly occurs with your roofing system.

However, a proper inspection, estimate, and repair process can minimize your costs, maintain your roof’s performance, and maximize its longevity.

As a result, fixing a commercial roof can be less expensive and time-consuming than some people think in 2024.

Feb '22

How to Sell a Roofing Company or Business (in 6 Simple Steps)

Learning how to sell your roofing company can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never sold a business before.

Many factors go into properly selling a roofing contractor business, but Roofer’s Guild can break it down into manageable steps.

Our vast experience in the roofing industry allows us to provide insights that can help you with the business sales process.

Should You Sell Your Roofing Business?

The decision to sell your roofing business is one that only you can make. It is a case-by-case analysis that requires inside knowledge of your current situation, profitability, and long-term goals.

Whether you are pivoting, turning to a bigger and better venture, or are just ready to retire, selling your roofing company can be a daunting concept.

Still, it is an enticing one. That’s because the roofing industry is one of the safest bets. As a result, the revenue generated by the roofing industry is expected to rise steadily over the next eight years, resulting in an annual growth rate of 4.3% up until 2030.

If you have worked to build up a successful or even just a stable roofing company, you could be sitting on a very, very hot commodity. However, because of the steady growth and stable demand for roofers, investors will purchase already-established roofing companies in 2024

However, there are still hurdles. Only about 10% of roofing companies that make it to market for sale are actually sold.

Of course, the odds are much higher if you sell to a team member or gift your roofing business to a family member. But what if you’re selling to an outside buyer? In this case, you have to take steps to make your company more “sale-ready” and enticing to an outside buyer.

Steps to a Roofing Business Sale

The following post outlines essential steps to make your roofing business more enticing to buyers and increase your chances of a sale.

1) Start with a Valuation

The first step is for an accredited business appraiser to assess your business. A business appraiser, in a nutshell, will carefully inspect the aspects of your business to determine how much it is worth.

A business appraiser will also value your business based on the different sales paths, whether you plan to sell to an outside buyer or an inside buyer.

A company valuation will give you a realistic idea of what kind of return you can expect. You may be hoping to get a certain amount for your business, but a valuation will give you a more accurate idea of its worth.

Having a concrete number helps you ask for a more realistic price and increases the chance of a sale. For example, a valuation is significantly higher than the seller expected in some cases.

As a result, it’s crucial to have your business professionally appraised.

2) Plan Ahead

If possible, give yourself a solid year to prep for sale. At this time, you should be thinking about things that will make your business look more enticing to potential buyers.

For example, internal auditing is very helpful to ensure all your financials are in order – something buyers will prioritize.

You will also need to let employees know you will sell the company. Naturally, some will want to stay, and some will want to go.

Giving time for this shift in personnel is also crucial, as you want your business to be as stable as possible when it hits the market.

3) Assign Successors

It may be scary, but you must consider how your roofing company will operate without you. You probably already have a management team in place or at least an idea of someone within the organization who knows it very well.

It will be essential to train these people before the sale and equip them to run the show depending on the new owner’s preference.

Remember that you want to make your business as attractive as possible. Selling a company with an absence of leadership or with chaos and confusion will only hurt your chances of a sale.

Buyers need to know their investment is ready to hit the ground running. They won’t want to seek new personnel or scramble to find people who can answer their questions.

Instead, have these people in place and ensure they can answer all questions and run the business in every regard.

4) Trim The Fat

As an established roofing business, you probably incur annual expenses that are more or less at your discretion. Things like annual bonuses, company retreats, lunches, team-building events, and company vehicles are all viewed as superfluous during a sale.

In other words, the new buyer will likely change the structure of these expenses, at least if not eliminate them. Eliminating these expenses in your financial reports to reach a normalized earnings figure will make the books look much better to potential buyers.

In 99% of cases, it will increase your company’s profitability, and that’s always a good thing going into a sale.

5) Consult with an Expert

Besides a business appraiser, working with an exit planner or adviser can be very helpful. These professionals help with the transition and should point out key factors that influence these types of business sales.

For instance, a good adviser will help you determine the business distractions that could kill a deal, like problematic contracts with suppliers.

There are many things that a buyer will look at before making an offer – things that have nothing to do with personnel or finances. A professional exit strategist will help you identify these aspects and make them look as streamlined as possible.

6) Create a Narrative

As the founder and existing owner (in most cases), you are uniquely qualified to build a narrative around your company. Rest assured, a strong narrative will help you sell your roofing company in 2024.

Previous success and the data to prove it are integral to establishing a narrative that attracts buyers. The intrigue of taking an asset and streamlining it for continued success is perhaps the most attractive proposition for prospective buyers.

Be sure to consider your current contracts, the nature of the local market, development projects in your area, and the state of your competitors. In addition, a training program for team members adds value to your company. Finally, documenting projected revenue is essential.

All of these things should work together to paint a picture of the grander opportunity that your business represents for potential buyers. Include the history of your company as well, but emphasize the future.

Maybe contractors you have worked with in the past will be undertaking big jobs shortly. These are all fuels that will power the desire of buyers. Painting a picture of a very bright future for your company may even fetch you a higher selling price.

Next Steps to Sell Your Roofing Company

Once you decide to sell your business the next step is typically contacting a broker. By following the steps outlined in your post, you are in a favorable selling position. However, a broker can use their resources and contacts to identify high-conversion buying prospects that lead to a profitable sale.

Jan '22

How To Generate Roofing Leads in Atlanta, GA

There are various ways to get more roofing leads in Atlanta. However, a few methods work better than others, and that’s where you should invest your resources through time and money.

Attempting to chase down leads one by one puts you in the gig economy with zero chance for growth and sustainable success.

Below, Roofer’s Guild outlines how to tactically get more Atlanta roofing leads for your business.

What Are Atlanta Roofing Leads?

Atlanta roofing leads are prospects who show interest in roofing services in the Atlanta, GA, area.

If your roofing company services the city of Atlanta, you want as many customers as possible.

Prospects can demonstrate interest by submitting contact information like an email address or phone number.

Get Atlanta Roofing Leads

Types of Roofing Leads in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has many types of roofing leads, but the most valuable are commercial, metal, and roof coating.

These leads have the highest payouts on a per-job basis, increasing their lifetime value.

As a result, you can afford to spend more to acquire these leads since they produce a more significant ROI.

Commercial Roofing Leads

Atlanta-based roofers know that commercial jobs pay more, so leads are more valuable. But, of course, there are fewer total commercial jobs available, so they are in higher demand.

Still, if you can secure commercial roof replacement or repair jobs, you can expect a significant payday.

Metal Roofing Leads

Atlanta roofers understand the value of metal roofing. While many metal roof jobs are for commercial properties, some residential homes also have metal roofs.

These jobs cost more, making them a higher-ticket item for your service business. If you can get more metal roof leads for your Georgia roofing company, you will recognize the ROI.

Roof Coating Leads

An average roof coating costs $1,211, which means if you can secure a lead for $50-$100 per lead, you are making a substantial return on investment.

Therefore, Georgia-based roofing contractors should invest their resources in acquiring these types of leads to produce a more significant ROI for their company consistently.

Best Methods To Get Roofing Leads in Atlanta

There are several proven methods to produce low-cost roofing leads in Atlanta. Of course, you can also buy Atlanta roofing leads from brokers, but they cost you more money without growing your company.

So, instead, try to utilize the following lead generation methods:

Search Engine Optimization

Investing in SEO for roofers is the most efficient way to get leads. Leads from organic search results cost the least and produce the highest lifetime value.

In addition, users who find your company on Google are more likely to convert and become repeat customers.

Google Business Profile

Claiming and optimizing a Google Business Profile can help you generate consistent leads on Google Maps. This process is a sub-section of SEO known as Local SEO.

The algorithm uses your profile’s proximity, relevance, and prominence to showcase your services to nearby local searchers. The goal is to rank within Google’s Local Map 3-Pack.

Email Marketing

Consistently emailing subscribers new offers and updates helps keep them engaged and more likely to buy your services.

Of course, since roofing consumers often need regular services, you can expect to keep former and future clients engaged.

To build a formidable subscriber list, you must accumulate email address submissions, typically through your website, using lead magnets like special coupons.

Exclusive Leads vs. Shared Leads

When you generate leads yourself, these are exclusive leads. However, some companies sell exclusive leads to roofers, too. Still, many lead services sell shared leads that hold less value and produce lower ROI.

Understanding the difference between an exclusive and shared lead is vital.

Get Atlanta Roofing Leads

Exclusive Leads

An exclusive lead is a prospect who contacts your company directly without showing interest in other roofing companies.

Of course, leads you to generate through SEO, Google Business Profile and your company website will always be exclusive.

However, some lead brokers will sell your company an exclusive lead, which means they only sell it to you.

Shared Leads

In contrast, shared leads are prospects who contact multiple roofing companies for the same service. They all need one roofer, but it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As a result, these leads hold less value and almost always come from a 3rd party lead service. Be careful when paying for these leads, as they can limit your company’s growth and sustainability.

Optimizing an Atlanta Roofing Website for Lead Generation

SEO is a great way to drive traffic to your roofing company website, but you must convert users once they land on your page or post.

Optimizing your site for lead generation requires inserting calls to action throughout it—these CTAs garner contact information from potential customers.

Calls To Action (CTAs)

A CTA is a clickable phone number or contact form on your website. Most roofing websites have CTAs in their header and footer, among other areas.

A compelling call to action creates urgency for the user and makes it very simple for them to submit their contact information. Remember that CTAs can lead to other landing pages, creating a funnel.

Keyword Targeting

Many Atlanta contractors mistakenly think a simple one-page website will convert their customers. Instead, you need pages and posts that target a wide range of services and topics.

Targeting extensive keywords helps your SEO and converts a deeper pool of potential clients. For example, a page about tile roof repair must be separate from your shingle roof repair page.

User Experience

When users arrive on your website, they should have a positive experience. For example, your navigation menu should be clear and precise, your loading times should be fast, and your security should be notable (via SSL certificate).

Furthermore, your content should be grammatically correct, readable, and easy to consume.

Roofing Software to Generate Leads in Atlanta

We’d be remiss, not to mention software that helps with Atlanta lead generation. Several types of software can get more customers, but we will note review generation and schema pinning.

Multiple tools exist for these software types, so it’s up to you to find the brand that works best.

Review Generation

Getting more reviews boosts your Google Maps rankings and converts more users. As a result, software that helps generate reviews is critical.

Go for a tool that automates review requests and shows how many reviews your company has on each platform (Google, Facebook, etc.)

Schema Pinning

This technology has multiple terms, including schema pinning and heat mapping. The idea is to publish proof of your Atlanta roofing jobs on your website.

Showing potential clients that you’ve worked directly in their service area helps increase conversions while boosting Local SEO.

Next Steps for Atlanta Roofers

Roofing contractors can utilize this guide to develop a sustainable lead generation strategy. However, if you require professional roofing lead generation services, contact Roofer’s Guild to discuss your campaign.

As a community of successful roofing professionals, Roofer’s Guild can provide first-hand experience and expertise in crafting the most profitable system to produce roofing leads in Atlanta, Georgia.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and hope you continue to utilize our free resources.

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Jan '22

Do You Tip Roofers? (Best Practices + Etiquette)

While tipping roofers is uncommon in the United States, there is no universal consensus one way or the other. Still, learning the best practices and etiquette for this matter can help you avoid some awkward situations.

There are multiple scenarios where homeowners might want to know the best practices regarding tips for roofers.

As a homeowner, you don’t want to come across as rude and not offer a tip.
As a homeowner, you don’t want to come across as rude by offering a tip – which may imply that their employer doesn’t provide them with a livable wage.

Here at Roofer’s Guild, we have worked with countless roofing contractors and consumers, giving us a unique insight into this conundrum.

So, in the following post, we will be helping you understand the context of tips for roofing contractors.

Key Takeaway

While it is not typical in the United States, it is perfectly legitimate to tip roofers for a job well done. If you choose to provide a tip, it’s best practice to tip each crew member individually.

Is it Ever Appropriate to Tip Roofers?

The short answer to this question is yes. If you feel that your roofers have done an excellent job and deserve a tip, by all means, make their day.

While tipping is not traditionally expected in the United States, we have rarely come across any roofer who hasn’t or wouldn’t appreciate a tip.

Roofers in the United States typically make good salaries, so tips aren’t usually expected.

How Much Money Should You Tip a Roofing Contractor?

Tip each roofer between $10 and $25 for most jobs. Consider boosting it up to $50 per contractor for major-scale endeavors or remarkable performances. However, remember, you reserve the option not to tip.

Do Roofing Contractors Need Tips?

You can tip a roofer if you want to but do not feel obligated. Most contractors in this industry don’t need your tips to make a solid living. However, don’t let that stop you from showing your appreciation if you are so inclined.

When you have someone working on your home, it’s natural to show your appreciation for the work. However, besides appreciation, there are other things to consider if you want to tip your roofers.

Things to Consider when Tipping your Roofer

In our experience, we have yet to hear a roofer turn down a cash tip. And while many would argue that cash is king, it’s not the only way to show your appreciation.

Depending on the job’s scope and whether or not you will be home, food is a welcome form of tip for almost all roofers.

In addition, picking up lunch for the crew is a great way to show your appreciation for their work. If you will be gone for most of the workday and only see the staff as they start the day, consider preparing coffee or buying them breakfast.

If you are home during a hot day, greet the crew on their lunch break with some cold beverages (we’re not talking about alcoholic beverages, although that may be appropriate once the workday concludes). Instead, consider water, Gatorade, vitamin water, and other hydrating refreshments.

Time Considerations

Another vital thing to consider is the timing of your tip. You never want to interrupt a crew at work, even when offering food or a cash tip. It’s simply bad etiquette and can even be dangerous.

The best times to show your appreciation are before their day starts, during their lunch break, and after they finish.

Personal Considerations

If you have an extensive roofing project being taken care of, you may have many roofers on your property. In this case, it may not be feasible to offer everyone a cash tip.

Cash tips may be more reasonable when it’s just a crew of 2 or 3 roofers, depending on what you can afford.

If you have a larger crew you want to thank, consider baked goods or ordering pizza. Maybe you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden. Gifting fresh produce is also a great way to say thanks for your hard work.

Many people worry about who to give their tips to, whether food, gifts, or cash. The general rule of thumb is to give your tips to each crew member individually.

You can also give it to the boss or foreman and tell them how to disperse your tip among the team.

Final Thoughts

We understand the conundrum homeowners face when it comes to tipping roofers. You don’t want to insult the roofer by tipping or not tipping them for a job well done.

You can rest easy knowing that the vast majority of roofing contractors are content with either choice, as they earn enough money to not need tips, but will not be insulted by the gesture either.

Dec '21

The Lifespan of Roofs in Florida (Tile, Shingle, Metal, etc.)

The Florida climate can be brutal on your roof. Between the near-constant sunshine and the sea spray, Florida is one of the most taxing states for roof durability.

Unfortunately, there is no universal lifespan for a roof in Florida. It will depend on many factors.

However, in the following post, Roofer’s Guild provides a general idea of how long you can expect your Florida roof to last.

We also offer insights into why Florida weather can be so damaging to roofing systems (both residential and commercial) and what you can do about it.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are common because they are affordable. However, they don’t hold up very well against Florida weather compared to other roofing materials.

In general, you can expect your asphalt shingles to last between 15 and 30 years in the Florida climate. That sounds like a lot – and it is for how much it costs to install an asphalt shingle roof.

But as you will see as we work down the list of materials, asphalt shingles are near the bottom of the list of durable roofing materials for Florida weather.

One of the best things that asphalt shingles have going for them is their low profile. As a result, asphalt shingles can be rated class H, which means they can stand up to winds of up to 150 MPH.

Of course, you can expect to pay more for class H asphalt shingles than you would for, say, class D-rated shingles. In contrast, asphalt shingles are susceptible to moisture and UV exposure.

The fluctuation between wet and dry/hot conditions can break down the granules that top asphalt shingles and weaken defenses.

Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years in Florida, making them a popular roofing material for Floridians.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is ideal for Florida. Metal roofs typically last between 15 and 50 years in the Florida climate. In addition, they are rated to withstand extremely high winds, undoubtedly a boon in Florida.

They are also not as susceptible to salty air as some other common types of roofing systems. Metal roofs are made from galvanized steel to hold up well to rust.

Unlike tile and asphalt roofs, metal roofs stand up much better to UV rays. This is because the inorganic material doesn’t break down after prolonged exposure.

Installation is the only thing you have to worry about with metal roofs. If they are not installed properly, they will not provide optimal protection.

Metal roofs typically come with excellent warranties – a testament to how long they generally last and the low maintenance cost. However, whether you want a metal roof for your home or business, expect to pay near top dollar.

Metal roofs last between 15 and 50 years in Florida while withstanding high winds that are typical in the climate.

Tile Roofing

Tile is a reasonably close runner-up to metal in terms of durability. They stand up well to UV exposure and aren’t as susceptible to salt air as other natural roofing material types.

Generally, you can expect a tile roof to last 20-50 years in Florida. The main concern with tile roofing is the relatively high profile. Tile roofing will generally sit higher off the roof decking than other materials, making it more vulnerable to extremely high winds.

Conversely, a material like metal can stand up to winds of 180 MPH; tile roofs typically top out at 125 MPH.

However, the winds would have to be very high to pose a threat due to tile roofs’ weight and installation (again, when done correctly). That all being said, another downside to tile roofs is their weight.

The weight of tiles tends to strain the structure and sometimes requires reinforcement.

Tile roofs last between 20-50 years in Florida though they may require reinforcements over that span.

Shake Shingles

Wood shingles (also known as shake shingles) offer decent protection from the Florida sun and wind. However, they are susceptible to the elements differently than all the other materials we have covered so far.

If you have lived through any summer in Florida, you know that the humidity can be relentless. This can be bad news for wood shingles because they can gather moss, mildew, and even mold in humid conditions.

Shake shingles must be maintained very carefully to last a long time in Florida. You can expect your wood shingles to last between 10 and 40 years with the proper maintenance.

One of the most important things to remember about wood shingles is that you have to make sure there is no standing water on them for more than a couple of days.

Shake shingles last between 10 and 40 years in Florida, depending on maintenance frequency and weather.

Factors Affecting Roof Longevity in Florida

The following factors may impact the longevity of a roof in a typical Flordia climate:

UV Exposure: Hot summers and direct sunlight can break down organic roofing materials and cause premature aging.
Humidity: High humidity can cause mold or mildew to grow on your roof and within the internal structure.
High Winds: Florida is home to high coastal winds that can pull up shingles and send debris crashing onto roofs.
Salt Air: Salt content from the sea breeze can be highly corrosive to some roof materials.

Roofing Work in Florida

If you are a roofer operating in Florida, your customers will often ask about the projected lifespan of a roofing system.

Answering these concerns with confidence is a great way to promote your business and earn referrals.

While you may not have time to think about roofing marketing, it is essential to the success of your business. So try investing in Florida Roofing SEO to get those replacement jobs that pay big money.

Dec '21

The Best Roof Coatings for Ponding Water

Some roof coatings work better than others in wet conditions. To help you sort through your options, Roofer’s Guild put together the following guide on the best roof coatings for ponding water.

Ponding water can wreak havoc on any roofing system. Of course, you never want standing water or liquid on your roof, but sometimes, it’s just unavoidable.

If you live in a particularly rainy or snowy area of the country, the problem could be even more of a headache.

The good news is that while no roof is 100% waterproof to standing water, roofing systems were explicitly designed to provide better protection against this threat.

Blog Cover for Best Roof Coating for Ponding Water

Key Takeaway

Silicone and acrylic roof coatings are best at protecting your roofing system from ponding water and its negative long-term effects.

Best Roof Coatings for Ponding Water

A good roof coating may negate the need for a complete (and expensive) roof tear-off. But, of course, that’s assuming your roof is already in pretty good condition and has not been damaged by standing water.

If that’s the case for you, here are a couple of the best roof coatings to protect against ponding water:

Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone roof coatings are a great choice when a large portion of your roof is susceptible to ponding water. They’re naturally non-water-based, so they offer good protection against moisture penetration—good but not perfect.

To get the most substantial protection, you have to ensure that a proper primer is applied. One of the good things about silicone is that it can be recoated.

So, after a few years, you can quickly shore up a silicone roof coating and ensure it is still well-suited to resist ponding water.

Silicone roof systems are also relatively quick and easy to install, making them an attractive option from a financial standpoint.

Graphic Outlining Pros and Cons of Silicone Roof Coatings

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings reinforced with polyester are very resistant to standing water. So, even if your roof has poor drainage (which is probably why you have standing water in the first place), acrylic roofing with proper reinforcement should provide adequate protection.

Acrylic roofing systems can reflect many UV rays, saving you money on your cooling costs. They also last a long time and can be applied to many different roofing structures.

Graphic Showing Pros and Cons of Acrylic Roof Coatings

Impact of Water Ponding on Roofs

You have probably seen ponding water on rooftops before. Maybe you thought nothing of it because it is so common.

While seeing a small puddle of water on your roof now and again is not cause for immediate alarm, you should still address it within a reasonable timeframe.

If water is left standing on your roof for more than a couple of days, it can cause irreparable damage to the roofing materials.

Here is just some of what can happen when you let standing water on your roof go unchecked:

Premature Aging

Even the best roofing materials can’t withstand constant submersion in water. In addition, standing water will prematurely age your roofing materials, causing parts of your coating to fail before others.

Water Damage

One of the most common types of roof damage comes from water exposure. When ponding water builds up on your roof and stays there for days, it can seep in through the exterior materials and start to rot away at the substructure.

Mold

Once the water has permeated the outer structure, mold can quickly form in the interior system. The interior structure will be dark and damp, the perfect conditions for mold to grow uninterrupted.

Mold can cause respiratory problems; on average, mold abatement will cost you over $2000.

Water damage is one of the worst types of roof damage. Now that you know why dealing with this problem is vital, let’s look at the best roof coating for ponding water.

Additional Measures

While roof coatings are the most cost-effective method for protecting your roof against ponding water, there are measures you can take to keep water from building on your roof in the first place:

Maintain Drainage

Poor roof drainage is one of the most common causes of ponding water. If your drainage system was soundly constructed and still intact, ensure it’s clear of blockages.

Be sure to regularly clean your roof drainage system and ensure no leaves and debris are blocking the flow.

Patching

If one or two small areas on your roof regularly gather water, it may be more economical to patch or reinforce them.

Building them up will help prevent water from pooling, and replacing damaged roofing materials will help shore up the defenses.

Increase Drainage

Sometimes, roofs are not built with sufficient drainage routes. Before repitching or replacing your entire roof, consider installing additional drainage. It may be all you need and can save you thousands of dollars.

Overall, it simply pays to be mindful of your roof. Observe your roof when it’s safe. When you are unsure, call a professional for an inspection.

Professional inspections should be a regular part of your routine as they can help spot minor problems before they become large catastrophes.

Final Thoughts

Neglecting standing water on a roofing system can have harsh long-term implications, including water damage, material degradation, and mold growth.

Identifying a sustainable roof coating is, therefore, essential to maintaining a roofing system’s performance and longevity.

Silicone and acrylic roof coatings are generally considered the best for ponding water. For coating applications of any kind, it’s important to work with a licensed and insured roofing contractor.

Dec '21

#1 SEO Guide for Florida Roofing Companies

If you are a contractor seeking Roofing SEO services in Florida, Roofer’s Guild is your best option. Our agency provides search engine optimization services for Floridians throughout the State. Showing up on Google is part of a long-term marketing strategy for Florida-based roofers.

Florida Roofing SEO Guide Cover With Picture of Florida

What is Florida Roofing SEO?

Florida Roofing SEO is the process of improving Google search rankings for Florida-area roofing contractors, especially for local keywords like roofing company florida and florida roof repair. Depending on the company’s precise location, the optimization will target specific cities.

The SEO Process for Floridian Roofing Contractors

Florida SEO comes down to five elements: keyword research, user experience, local targeting, content, and link building. If your local roofing website grades well in all these areas, you will outperform competitors. Of course, the relative competition in your precise city or town plays a role.

Keyword Research

Keyword research for local businesses contrasts national keyword research. Since fewer users search geo-targeted terms, like roof repair greenacres, for example, search volume is low and may not register at all.

Don’t let a lack of registered search volume dissuade you from targeting local keyword terms and phrases. In fact, these phrases are most likely to convert into new customers. So, how do you decide which words to target?

If your city or town does not register any geo-targeted terms, measure the volume for the original, non-geo-modified term. For example, instead of researching the volume for roof restoration greenacres, measure the volume for roof restoration. Per our own measurement, it is 229 monthly.

Screenshot of Roof Restoration Moz Volume

Another effective method to gauge local search volume is to replace your city or town name with near me. Remember, you only replace the location in the research process. DO NOT add near me to your published website content. Google interprets your city name as a synonym for near me.

For example, the phrase metal roof repair near me registers a 664 volume. It is safe to assume that regional consumers in your area will search that term based on that number. Therefore, if your website correctly optimizes for a wide range of these terms, you will generate consistent local traffic.

Screenshot of Moz Search Volume for Metal Roof Repair Near Me

A roofing company in Greenacres, Florida, will target local terms like roof repair greenacres, roof restoration greenacres, best roofing company greenacres, etc. While keyword research tools like SEMRush and Moz may or may not show search volume for these exact terms, they are worth targeting.

Finally, Google Search Console will become your most effective keyword research tool once your SEO starts working initially. As you begin to compile data on search queries, impressions, and clicks, Google provides direct data about which terms users are using to find your Florida website.

User Experience

Florida roofing companies often mistake website design for user experience when a design is only one of many UX components. Fostering a positive user experience directly impacts SEO and conversion rates. As a result, following the best UX protocols for SEO is vital to online success.

Site speed is an exceedingly critical UX factor for roofing company websites. Users never enjoyed slow websites, but now Google measures speed when ranking sites on search results. From Google’s perspective, showing fast websites helps keep their search engines valuable to users.

Navigation is a significant component of user experience and helps website visitors proceed through a buyer’s funnel. Perhaps your local consumer is looking for a specific service type, like tile roof repair, where a clearly marked page on the menu eases their journey.

Screenshot of Nav Menu from Roofing Website

Calls-to-action or CTAs help drive more on-site conversions. For instance, a phone number button or contact form embedded within your site’s framework moves users toward task completion. As you accumulate warmer leads, you’ll find the conversion process seamless.

Local Targeting

Local SEO requires an additional set of tactics for ranking purposes. However, the most significant difference between regular SEO and Local SEO is the Local Map 3-Pack. Florida roofers will find that most geo-modified terms produce Local Map 3-Packs within the search results.

You might wonder how that makes a difference in your SEO campaign. For one, Map 3-Packs appear above organic results on SERPs, which means more users will click on the Map Pack than traditional results. As a result, companies ranking within the Map Pack garner the most clicks.

Google Map 3-Pack’s pull from Google Business Profiles to deliver results. So, you can only rank within the Map Pack if you create and verify a Google Business Profile for your Florida-based roofing company. From there, you want to optimize your business profile as much as possible.

Geo-modified keywords that return Map 3-Pack results differ from other types of keywords within your SEO strategy. To highlight a contrasting example, consider how long do roofs last in florida. As you can see, it’s still a geo-modified term, but in this case, it doesn’t show Google Maps.

Screenshot of Google SERP for Informational Query

What’s the difference? Google understands the user intent to be informational, meaning the searcher is seeking specific information to answer their question rather than a company or service to help them.

For local + informational phrases, your SEO strategy will differ slightly.

You must publish long-form blog posts that answer common user questions with these types of terms. These queries are unlikely to lead to a direct sale, but they may lead to an indirect sale. By linking internally from informational content to commercial content, you can gain customers.

Content

Speaking of content, it is the most potent SEO weapon in the industry. You can establish topical authority on your website by covering a range of roofing-related topics in Florida. Then, as Google begins to trust your website for Florida roofing topics, you can rank for valuable keywords more quickly.

We mentioned user intent when contrasting keywords like roof repair greenacres, which returns a Local Map 3-Pack on SERPs with how long do roofs last in florida, which does not. As a result, two different kinds of content pieces are required to satisfy each’s respective user intent.

For the term roof repair greenacres, you want to publish a service page navigable from your homepage menu. Service pages are typically shorter and embed contact forms and other contact methods. Conversely, the term how long do roofs last in florida merits a 1,000+ word blog post.

Screenshot of Service Page on Roofing Website

With this in mind, developing a content map serves your content writers best while adding new pages and posts to your Florida roofing company website. You should select which services and questions to address based on keyword research and overall consumer behavior.

Quality matters regardless of whether you produce a service page or blog post. Therefore, hiring quality content writers, either in-house or externally, is critical to achieving favorable SEO results. In addition, you can edit content with tools like Grammarly to avoid misspellings and typos.

Link Building

If there’s a secret recipe to Florida SEO, it’s link building. Unfortunately, however, building links is a double-edged sword in the world of digital marketing. Just as robust as links can be in a positive sense, they can also wipe your website off of search engines altogether.

The excellent news for Florida-area roofing contractors is that local link building is more straightforward than national. By claiming citations on local and industry directories, you earn nofollow links back to your site.

National websites often frown upon nofollow links since they count as a ranking hint rather than a full endorsement, but for local sites, they are potent. Compile links from top directories like HomeAdvisor and Angi.

Screenshot of Angi Citation for Florida Roofer

As for traditionally dofollow links, which count as a full endorsement, you can reach out to local institutions like chambers of commerce, little league organizations, and other regional acquaintances. Be mindful that most black-hat links come from dofollow links.

While you have limited control over links pointing from a 3rd party to your own website, you have complete discretion over internal links. As the name implies, internal links are connections from one page of your website to another.

Internal links help users seamlessly navigate your website, but they also transfer link equity, page to page.

So, for example, your post about how long do florida roofs last might garner more links and social shares than a service page. But you can transfer the link equity by linking from the blog post to the most relevant service page, like florida roof replacement.

Other SEO Considerations for Florida Roofing Companies

Roofer’s Guild has outlined the most effective SEO strategy for roofers in Florida, but additional factors come into play. For example, your domain name plays a legitimate role in your ability to rank for keywords. You should also pay attention to reputation management.

Domain Name

Roofing companies should own their domain name before investing in SEO. You can purchase a domain name from providers like GoDaddy or Siteground. Companies with an established domain are in better shape than newcomers, as Google tends to rank established domains more quickly than brand-new ones.

You can measure your domain’s age by visiting Whois.com, which lists the domain’s registration date. Names older than five years have a distinct advantage, while domains younger than six months are disadvantaged.

If you are thinking about changing your domain name, be sure to weigh the cost of the change against the existing domain’s age and authority.

Domain Authority is a popular metric from Moz that measures the credibility and weight of a given domain. While Google does not acknowledge the metric as a ranking factor, it likely has a similar internal metric for evaluating a domain’s authority.

Other 3rd party tools like Majestic and AHrefs give their own variations of this metric, which are worth identifying. For the most part, DA is based on a website’s link profile. You can expect your DA to ascend consistently if you acquire high-quality links from high-quality websites.

As an agency that helps roofing contractors, we fully understand that some newcomers don’t yet have a domain. You should spend more time selecting the perfect domain name in these cases. You can even look into the expired domains market to see if any expired domains with high DA may fit your brand name.

However, in most cases, you will be selecting a brand-new domain. Brand and keyword are the #1 SEO factors you can control with your domain. For instance, greenacresflroofing.com is undoubtedly an excellent choice for a domain. However, this type of exact match name is rarely available.

Screenshot of Domain Name for FL Roofing Company

Another method is to use your company brand name, like jimandsonsroofers.com, as your domain. Although you don’t get an inherent local benefit, you will further establish your brand, which can pay off as more people learn of your company.

Finally, you can combine a local term with your brand name. The one pitfall of this method is the length of the domain. You don’t want a domain name that is too long as it is difficult to type and appears unprofessional. Therefore, only utilize this method if you can shorten the name.

Reputation Management

As a local roofing contractor, reputation plays a significant role in SEO. Part of Google’s local algorithm is prominence, which accounts for your reviews. Google Business Profile is the best platform to acquire reviews, but it also helps to spread them throughout multiple platforms like Facebook and Yelp.

Aside from its impact on Local Map 3-Pack rankings, reputation can also influence indirect SEO factors. For example, when somebody searches for your company name + reviews, what will they see? If you correctly manage your reputation, they will see profiles from trusted platforms.

Screenshot of Google reviews on search engine results page

Acquiring more reviews is the best way to enhance the reputation and dilute the impact of negative reviews. In addition, you can use 3rd-party software tools to automate review requests. These tools work by auto-sending SMS and email requests to recently serviced customers.

Some Florida roofing businesses fall into the trap of paying for fake reviews, which violates every platform’s guidelines and will hurt your reputation rather than help. Besides, consumers are typically skeptical of perfect 5-star ratings and prefer a range between 4.5 and 4.9.

As for negative reviews, replying is the best option, but only when you have gathered an appropriate response. Again, as a business owner, you want to project calmness and credibility rather than instigate further debate. If you can appear as the more credible party, you help your reputation.

Next Steps for Florida Roofing Companies

If you are ready to proceed with SEO services for your local roofing company, feel free to reach out to a roofing-specific SEO provider. You can also contact the Roofer’s Guild team for marketing services, including search engine optimization.

If you are not ready to invest in SEO services, you can continue to read our free resources and stay up-to-date on the latest marketing trends.

The speed of technological advancement in the digital marketing space has seen unprecedented expansion, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates.

Dec '21

How Sunshine (UV Rays) Damage Asphalt Shingles

UV rays can significantly damage asphalt shingles, prompting costly repair fees and possible total roof replacements. Therefore, it is paramount to understand how to identify and prevent UV ray damage.

You may think the winter months are harsh on your roof, and you’re right. Rain, hail, snow, ice dams, and high winds cause issues with your asphalt roof. But the summer sun can be just as potent, a lesson you can avoid.

Think about it: Your roof is your property’s first line of defense against rain and the sun. As a result, UV rays can devastate your asphalt shingles as they gradually penetrate the roofing system and materials.

Blog Cover Showing UV Rays Which Can Damage Asphalt Shingles

Monitoring your roof and identifying warning signs of a compromised roofing system is essential. In the following post, Roofer’s Guild discusses the specifics of how sunshine damages asphalt shingles.

Key Takeaway

UV rays damage asphalt shingles by breaking down their molecular structure, which can cause granule loss, cracks, and material degradation.

Weather Fluctuations

In the summer months, day-to-night weather condition fluctuations can wreak havoc on your shingles. During the day, it may get scorching, giving way to humid nights.

Humidity fluctuation is terrible for asphalt shingles. During the day, it dries them out and leaves them very brittle. However, when the night is humid, the stark contrast can cause the decomposition of materials.

This fluctuation (more marked in extremely high temperatures) also causes the roofing materials to expand and contract thermally.

Generally, this fluctuation is awful for roofing materials and may cause them to fail sooner than expected.

Excessive Heat

In most climates, the sunniest months present constant and excessive heat. It’s hard to think of any living or synthetic material not damaged by extreme heat, and your asphalt shingles are certainly one of them.

You may not notice excessive heat damage until winter, when leaks become apparent. That’s because extreme UV damage can cause the asphalt shingles to become brittle and move upwards at the edges.

These effects may not cause roofing problems when the weather is warm and dry, but when it starts raining and snowing, it can cause leaks.

There are a couple of ways you can protect your roof against excessive heat:

Proper Ventilation: Properly ventilated roofs can help keep your roof cool. However, it would be best to pump cool air into these upper building portions to help the shingles retain as much moisture as possible in the hot sun.
Roofing Inspections: Inspecting or hiring a professional to inspect your roof before the summer months can save you from a world of trouble.

UV Damage

The layers of materials that comprise asphalt shingles are gradually degraded by UV radiation, among other factors, which causes the asphalt to degenerate and introduces structural vulnerability.

In essence, UV rays cause oxidative damage that changes the molecular structure of the shingles, often resulting in the breakdown of the materials that protect the shingles and the roof.

Such deterioration can eventually cause the protective granules to fall off, exposing the underlayers. It can also cause the shingles to dry out and start to crack.

Dryness is a severe problem, too, because shingles are continually bombarded with UV rays, whether the sun is out or not.

Apart from using special shingles with high UV resistance, there isn’t much you can do to combat this problem. But, as always, frequent inspections can prevent more significant issues.

Another option is to use a different roofing material on your residential or commercial property, especially if you live in a sweltering climate.

Weakened Shingles

Granule loss is one of the most common problems with asphalt shingles. The granules on the shingle’s top layer protect it and make it resilient.

However, excessive UV radiation and dry conditions can cause granule loss by drying out the shingle and robbing it of its protective oils and moisture.

When this happens, the shingles weaken and become vulnerable, leading to splits and cracks that may expose the underlayers of your roof.

Again, you will not notice this kind of damage in the summer unless you regularly inspect your roof.

However, it can cause many problems in the winter, including roof leaks, shingle warping, and even roof warping.

How to Address UV Ray Damage for Asphalt Shingles

Whether you are a contractor or home/business owner, it’s crucial to take action as soon as you see:

Warped shingles
Curled shingles
Cracked shingles
Missing shingles
Shingles with noticeable granule loss

You must address the symptoms of sun damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of the shingles.

Over time, this can lead to leaks, moisture intrusion, mold growth, and even structural damage to the roof deck.

The most common solutions are replacing damaged shingles and upgrading to a new roofing system that is more resilient in intense heat.