7 Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

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Published on Wednesday, April 04 2018 14:05

Did you see our Facebook Live Video from last Tuesday?  If not, you should really take the time and watch it.  We had one of our Trusted Roofing Contractors, Jeff Geyer w/ C&G Roofing come in and discuss all things related to storms and roofing. The Q&A was very informative and of course came at just the right time - Spring storm season!  Jeff also left us with some tips we thought would be beneficial to add to our blog...

1. Is the roofing contractor local & how long have they been in business?  A company with an established business is likely to be around when you need them. If you have a warranty, you want to make certain someone is around to honor it, should there ever be a problem.

2. Make certain the roofing company is insured. This protects consumers from contractors that aren't experienced in the industry. Ask about insurance, particularly liability and workers' compensation.  A roofer without insurance coverage can leave you open to all sorts of risk; from damage to your property to liability for personal injury.  ALWAYS ask for a CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE.

3. Check with the Better Business Bureau. This is where you'll find those unhappy customers, if there are any. Remember that any company that deals with a larger volume of customers may get a few complaints but what is important is how they handled those complaints.

4. Look for a roofer that has good communication skills. You want someone that you can talk to about your project, that will readily answer all of your questions and that will keep you informed every step of the way.  Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and a job you may not be happy with.

5. Check to see if the contractor is part of the local industry associations. A strong established contractor should be a member of trade associations.  In our area it is The North Texas Roofing Contractors.

6. Avoid Storm Chasers. Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door, "We are in your neighborhood" roofers.  This is just canvassing and selling.  If you are approached by this technique, call your insurance agent and ask for a recommendation. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end.

7. Look for a contractor who is a certified installer of the products they offer. Certified contractors can offer stronger warranties on the products they install and they also follow stricter installation guidelines.

Tornadoes and Driving Safety

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Published on Tuesday, March 20 2018 17:37

Tornadoes are the most violent storms anywhere, and about 1,200 touch ground in the United States every year, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

They’re as unpredictable as they are violent, most often occurring in the early spring on the Gulf Coast, in May and June on the southern plains, and in June and July in the upper Midwest. But, tornadoes can occur any time of year and have been recorded in every state, says the NWS.

If a twister forms when you’re traveling through an unfamiliar region, or even while driving near home, you don’t have much time to make smart decisions that can help save your life. The NWS and Red Cross recommend these actions if a tornado catches you while you’re on the go:

Be Alert and Prepared

1. Know the difference between a watch and a warning:

• Tornado Watch:  Tornadoes are possible around the general watch area.  This tells you to be alert and prepared.
• Tornado Warning:  A tornado has been seen or has appeared on weather radar.  This tells you to take immediate action to protect yourself and/or your family.

2. Know how to access emergency broadcasts in case you encounter worrisome conditions:

• Local News Stations
• NOAA Weather Radio.  Dial the VHF public service band from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All Hazards broadcast.
• Local NWS Weather Forecast Office.  Access local watches, warnings, forecasts and radar images online.

3. Know the warning signs of a Tornado:

• Dark clouds, frequently greenish.
• A wall cloud, attached to the base of a thundercloud but isolated and lowering.
• Flying debris.
• Large hailstones.
• A roaring noise, ranging from the sound of a waterfall to that of a jet engine.
• A funnel cloud, a rotating funnel extending from the base of a thundercloud.  Once it touches the ground, a funnel cloud is a tornado.

If You’re Caught Outside or Driving

1. Don't wait to see a funnel once you hear a Tornado Warning

• Run to a sturdy building. The basement is the safest place, but a windowless interior room on the building's lowest level is the next alternative.  Mobile homes are NOT safe.
• Get into your car if you cannot immediately get to a shelter on foot.  Fasten your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
• Do NOT try and outrun a tornado, because they can move across the landscape at 60mph.

2. If large objects start to fly past as you are driving, pull over, park, and choose the better of the following two options:

• If you can get significantly below the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands protecting your head.
• Otherwise, keep your seat belt on and stay in the car.  Lower your head below the level of the windows, protecting yourself with your hands.  If any other protection is available, such as a blanket - wrap that over your head as well.

Always remember, whenever you encounter severe weather that a violent storm can escalate and travel quickly. If you’re at home, be ready to put your emergency plan into place, if you can – practicing family drills and setting aside supplies ahead of time will help. If not, take the most appropriate safety measures possible, such as the ones shared above.