In order for your roof to be reliable, your roofing contractor must be reliable. Before you choose, you must know that there will be no deception, miscommunication, lazy work, or unreliable materials involved in the process. Here are some specific steps to complete when choosing your roofer.

1. Don’t get an estimate over the phone.
2. Make sure the roofing contractor has a building permit.
3. Look at contractors with extensive experience in the area.
4. Make sure the roofer gives you a good vibe during the inspection process. Having a roof built or repaired is a huge endeavor. Do not work with someone that you do not trust completely.
5. Find out if the roofer is covered by insurance.
6. Ask other customers of your prospective roofing contract the following questions.
• How was your overall experience with this roofer?
• Was the job done well?
• Have there been any leaks?
• Were you quoted at a reasonable price, and was this budget met?
• Was the job completed in a timely fashion?
7. Once you decide on a roofer, require that a contract be signed!
8. Make sure that you get an extensive warranty.

Once all of these questions are answered, then you are left with a much clearer picture of your choices. Then it is simply a matter of choosing the best option for you. Mark Terlep Roofing has been in business in Palm Beach County for more than 18 years and boasts the best service and skilled roofers in South Florida. However, don’t just take it from us. Do your research. Follow the above steps. We trust that you will agree!

1. Recommendations Do Not Guarantee a Job
You may get a contractor recommendation from someone that you know. The person giving you the recommendation may be a very good person with an excellent work ethic, but at the end of the day, your business project is between you and your roofing contractor. By looking to a friend to conduct your business, you are creating a middleman and just making things more complicated. With a contract, all areas of the project will be planned out to meet your needs.

2. No Contract Equals Time Delays
Every business deal requires a contract. If not, you will have two different views on one project. If there is confusion down the line, it becomes too chaotic to fix. One major problem would be time. Knowing the start and end time of a project are very, important. Without a Palm Beach Roofing contract dates will seem flexible to either party. These days, time is everything. Miscommunication can result in a waste of time. Uncertain terms can create the opportunity for loss of work time and also a loss of money. Your time and money is important. That’s why a contract is necessary.

3. Contracts Set the Price Before-Hand
By doing business on a handshake you will face problems down the line. You may get one price in the beginning of a project and then a price hike as the project progresses. A tentative date may be given to you. As the project progresses, the finishing date may be pushed back farther and farther. This will be an inconvenience to you and it can also mean more money for equipment and labor. This puts you in a bind, because there is nothing written to verify dates. Without a contract there is no proof of your agreement.

4. Read Your Contract
Now that you have your contract be sure to read it. Paperwork is a very common and repetitive activity in our busy days. But we must not be too busy to read the documents that we are signing. One signature on a piece of paper connects you to the repair project from beginning to end. A roof project also comes with a warranty. The agreement that you sign is valid for many years after the initial work done on your house. If you have any questions be sure you get clarification.

In order to have a smooth running roofing project, both you and your contractor must be on same page.

1. Storms are Unpredictable
One benefit of Florida weather, compared to other states, it preparation time. In Florida we have a very close relationship with our meteorologist. We welcome them into our homes like a valued family member. The reality a hurricane makes Florida a hotspot for intense weather, but also one of the best places to prepare for weather dangers. The relationship between residents and weather forecasters is one of mystery. A great meteorologist can give you a hurricane estimation but you can never be sure what a hurricane is going to do but at least you will have a warning.

2. Bahamas hit hard by Irene
Miraculously, in August 2011, Hurricane Irene took a swift turn to the east; just missing Florida. Luck like this cannot be guaranteed. Florida was lucky, but the Bahamas did not fare as well. With sizable damage, the island witnessed the true damage of a powerful hurricane. With damages, such as toppled power lines and trees, the residents were shaken. Houses were affected tremendously. Some roofs were completely blown off. By putting off roof repairs to the last moment, put many found themselves in very bad situations.

3. Residents Still Feeling Effects of Summer Tornadoes
The recent tornadoes that affected America’s east coast rattled many Florida resident properties. By ignoring the repairs that needed to be done, the residents were making themselves vulnerable to even more damage. If the damage is ignored, the risk of a complete roof collapse may be in the future. If you suffered damage from this year’s tornadoes or have just noticed the need for maintenance, call a roofing expert today. There is no such thing as minor damage when it comes to a roof.

4. Safety is The Main Issue
Above anything else, an unsafe roof means you can be hurt. When hurricane damage happens to your home, you cannot reverse it. We always think that we have all the time in the world to deal with our responsibilities. But the time is now. Roof repair is a requirement. If you do not take care of your foundation you are in trouble. By ignoring the importance of repair and inspection, you put yourself and your family in harms way.

Be safe. Get your roof inspected and repaired today!

1.    Great Design Options
Slate is a very upscale roofing material. If you truly value your home, you want materials that are going to secure your investment.  The more you upgrade your home, the better you will feel about your surroundings.  Slate material has a great look that is natural and compliments many home designs.  Diversity of styles is always important to a Palm Beach Roofing shopper.  Slate gives you a variety of different directions to choose; as far as shapes and designs.  Do not limit your options when you are choosing a roof.  Rather than settle, expand your options and take a look at what designs slate has to offer.

2.    Strong Material
Slate is a high quality and resilient material.  The many weather conditions that homes have to contend with require a strong roof.  Roofing material is one the most important elements that you can have for you property.  If you do not have a sturdy top, everything below faces the threat of damage.  Whatever happens to your roof will eventually seep down into your walls and floors. With slate you have a material that is going to be resistant to fire and extreme weather conditions.

3.    Slate Offers Diverse Protection
You always have to think about the various threats that may damage your home. Slate protects your home against various weather conditions and natural threats; you will also have a great barrier against rotting.  A higher quality roof is going protect you from little faults and imperfections that can occur in a roof.  A little problem or break in your roof is never small. The more resilient your roof is the better the protection to your home will be. You also must take rodents into consideration when choosing a roof.  Quality roofing materials create a great safeguard against destructive parasites.

4.    Lasts Long
A roofing material has to stand the test of time.  Fortunately, slate is a long lasting material.  It may be more expensive than other materials, but the extra work and safeguard qualities give you something that will last. Long lasting material also results in low maintenance.  You may pay a bit more to install this slate material, but the protection and money you save on future repair are a great benefit.

Get a slate roof and get the high quality roof that you deserve.

Asphalt is Durable

One great benefit of the asphalt roofing would be the smooth repair.  The asphalt material is very user friendly.  The material is both sturdy and flexible.  This is what you want when getting your roof repaired.  When providing maintenance to a roof, you a want a material that will work with you rather than against you.  Because asphalt is flexible, many times contractors don’t need as many specialized tools to accomplish the job.  Experts are trained to use whatever tool is necessary, but asphalt material allows the job to be that much easier.  Good materials mean a quicker repair time.

Different Styles of Asphalt Shingles

Many people choose asphalt shingles because of the many style choices available to them. When a person wants to make changes to a home, style definitely plays a big part.  You want material that is very sturdy and durable, but you don’t want it to look like an eye soar. Your roofing should look good.   The great thing about the many styles and textures is that you can get styles that are similar to more expensive shingles.  When you get shingles they will be a big part of your houses overall presentation, so it’s good to get Palm Beach roofing shingles you like!

Asphalt Shingles is Less Expensive

One thing that a homeowner is concerned with is price.  If the price of the roofing material is too much, it may become more difficult for a customer to decide.  Asphalt material is not as expensive as other materials and still provides you with the quality strength and long lasting durability that is necessary for great roof.  Asphalt roofing materials are made in bulk so this why they are less expensive to purchase.  Less expensive materials also means less expensive overall cost for your repair.  Palm Beach roofing can provide you with the great roofing that will work into your budget.

Asphalt Shingles Light Weight

When you are going to choose a roofing material, it is essential that your Palm Beach Roofing Contractor inform you about the safety issues of your choice.  You may know what style of shingle you desire, but it may not be appropriate to your structure.   Asphalt roofing is not as heavy as other shingles. It is not the lightest shingle, but it provides a mix of a powerful texture that is light enough to work with many different types of housing units.   A particular material may seem visually appealing to you, but it may be too much pressure for you house to withstand.

By getting a Palm Beach roofing expert, you can choose a great roofing material

Design and Application Must Work Together

Design and application is focused on all elements. This includes roofing, flashing, metal coverings and penetrations. A roof has various elements that work together. Your roofing tiles may look great and formatted correctly. But, what if your base has imperfection? This means your roof has flaws. If the very platform that holds your tile is not sturdy, then your tiles are not sturdy. Design and application must work together. Nothing can be overlooked when it comes to Palm Beach roofing.

Wind Attacks At Corners

When wind attacks your home, it will do so in a cross directional pattern. This type of power and angle can be a true terror on your roofing structure. Wind can be damaging to the cracks and faults in your roof flashing and fastening structures. Object can fall into these cracks. Over time rock and random debris can find its way into these faulty areas. As debris collects, your roof can bend to the extent then wind will get under it. This creates space for major damage. Major gusts can even take a roof clear off. Good roofing company addresses the corners and fastenings to ensure stability.

Gale Force Winds Can Be Very Dangerous

The most common type of wind is a Gale Force Wind. This type of wind has a speed between 39-72 miles per hour. For many people, this may not seem like the most damaging kind of wind. With 70 percent of roof damage claims are due to gale force winds. The thing that makes this wind so powerful is the gusts. Many wind forms can have a constant flow. The sudden rush of intense gusts of winds creates a jolt. This sudden intense jolt to roofing cracks can destroy your structure. Great Palm Beach roofing contractors understand these elements and prepare your home for all types of wind.

Between late May and November Floridians are very tentative to the wind and weather reports. This is the Florida Hurricane Season. What makes hurricanes so dangerous is the powerful eye of the storm. The power of the eye is so powerful it is virtually impossible to measure its speed. The vortex of a storm can go between 200-300 mph. When hurricane wind or a hurricane eye comes in contact with your roof, efficient Palm Beach roofing is necessary.

Ensure stability against various winds and hurricanes. You need experienced roofers that fine-tune all designs and applications.

Do Not Rush Progress
Everybody wants to save money. Saving money should not mean rushing a project. Be sure not get a roofing estimate over the phone. If a roofer actually gives you their opinion over the phone, do not be surprised when the final cost is quite different from the estimate.  There is no way a roofer will be able to give you a proper examination without actually seeing your home.  Rather than concentrating specifically on price, you have to think about quality Palm Beach Roofing.  Because in the end, you want your roof done right.

A Detailed Estimate.
When you have someone actually come to your home, you are going to get a more in depth explanation of your problem.  A phone estimate is going to give broad and general suggestions.  A site inspection is going to give you exactly what you need: Details.  If you are not getting the specific square footage and industry measurements, you are not getting the full picture.

All Houses Are Different
No house is built the same.  Your roof work has to fit with your homes building specifications.  Roofing is not a generalization it is a craft built on specific size and conditions.  The diversity in housing structure is so vast that a minor oversight can mean a major difference in repair and cost.  A conversation on the phone makes it easy to ignore the reality.  A car can be made by a one company, but the year, series, and model make each car completely different.  When it comes to roofing you don’t want to overlook any details.

Trust Your Roofers
If a roofer completes a sale over the phone without ever seeing your property, you are dealing with someone you should not trust.  When a roof contractor thinks first about money over the quality and safety or your home, they are not a real roofer.  When picking choosing your roofing contractor, your first thought should be about efficiency and the security of yourself and your family.  Look for a contractor that is has a wealth of experience and a track record of securing homes across Florida. 

Get a quality on-site inspection and estimate.

Families are left Homeless due to Roofing Flaws
You can’t replace a roof without a permit. A New York landlord tried to do this and found himself in a major legal situation. The roof that was replaced and the work done was flawed. Then comes a storm, and the roof collapsed on a family living in the building. 14 families actually found themselves homeless because of the matter. Thinking that you can get around a building permit is not smart. It may seem like a small detail until the work is done improperly and someone is seriously hurt. “It was completely uncovered and bore the brunt of the storm,” a tenant said. “There was water damage all the way down to the basement.”

If you do not have a permit, you are not working with qualified people. Quality roofing is all about the details. A contractor that elects to do work from his own perspective and is ignoring rules and specifications that are in place for the benefit of all involved with the house. Palm Beach roofing codes are in place to ensure accuracy of material and construction. Specific cities deal with physical conditions that are specific to the area. Roofing guidelines are established so that people are safe.

Permits are Different from City to City
Each city has its own building official. This official is aware of the necessary guidelines for roofing projects in your area. In a case where there is actual danger involved, a Palm Beach property can be shut down by building officials. If you do not have the proper permits, you could find your property being examined by officials and your site can be shut down. When you do not get proper approval on roofing projects, you not only jeopardize yourself, unqualified construction endangers all surrounding areas.

Do Not Assume a Permit Exists
In the case of the negligent landlord, one bad decision creates a domino effect of problems. The landlord hired a worker that removed areas of the apartment roof. Unfortunately, they did not remember to cover it after the day’s work. Just as fate would have it, a severe rainstorm came through the city. When issues like this happen, a homeowner realizes why Palm Beach Officials create roofing guidelines. When the landlord was asked why he did not get a permit, he said he had assumed it was being done. It is a casual attitude like this that can get property owners into a dilemma. When dealing with a roofing project, certain details can be overlooked. But it only takes the slightest overlooked detail to create trouble.

Get a professional Palm Beach Roofing contractor. Do not spare the details.

Old House Means Old Material
If you’re looking to buy a Palm Beach home with a great appearance, the outside visuals may be hiding something very different underneath. A house may have damages that are not visible to the naked eye. This does not mean the house is not a prized possession; it just means there could be minor problems lurking. When you are dealing with roofs, it only takes one crack or leak to cause major damage. Roof inspections are necessary; especially for older homes. It is really important for anyone with a home, new or old, to get an inspection.

Faulty Improvements Can Cause New Problems
A Virginia homeowner experienced firsthand what old repairs can do to a newly purchased house. The previous homeowner had repairs done to the house. There were metal panels put on the original roofing material. Unfortunately, the roofing screws on the metal panels were not installed properly. This fact did was not a problem until a major storm hit the area raising the panels and allowing water to leak into the house. The next morning, the water was able to settle and create visible water marks on the ceiling.

The homeowner hoped that the damage was minor and the water would eventually evaporate, unfortunately the damage was major and an immense amount of water was able to settle in the roof area. The homeowner then saw the paint deteriorating and areas of drywall falling down. This was especially disappointing because the homeowner recently did home improvements in those sections of the home. Now the roofing had to be replaced and so did the paint and drywall. If your roof is not inspected, the damage can extend further than your roof.

Get a Roof Inspection
If you have a home it is in your best interest to look at your roof as the foundation of your home; especially in the state of Florida. With the history of major storms and hurricanes, ignoring the effects of an older house can prove to be destructive. The best thing that you could do for yourself is get an inspection. Inspections can let you see exactly where you stand and what needs to be done. In order to truly know the condition of your house you have to get a good idea of your roof condition. Trained roofing contractors can save you from unnecessary destruction to your home.

A Palm Beach Homeowner’s best solution for roofing is a proper roof inspection.

1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles is one of the most popular materials for a home roof.  Asphalt shingles are also less expensive than most of the other materials.  But in case your wondering even though asphalt may be less expensive, but it is not lacking quality.  Most of the shingles that you see around Florida are in fact asphalt.  This material allows you to get a vast variety of colors and styles, but also provide the strength that is necessary. Asphalt shingles are great for different climate changes, as well.  This material lasts long and adapts to different temperatures.

2.Slate Shingles
Slate Shingles are a highly protective shingle. There are many different forces of nature that a roof will have to deal with.  In Palm Beach there is the obvious threat of weather, but there are also the dangers of insects and other animals.  Many rodents, in certain areas, will prey on certain types of materials.  Slate protects you against insects and rodents like this.  Slate is also a material that lasts a long time, very durable and resistant to rotting. The drawback of Slate is the weight.  Slate is protective but heavy.  It can weigh down on the house.  A certain amount of maintenance is needed to ensure structural balance.

3.Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are an amazing material. Clay tiles are very pleasing to the eye and also extremely strong.  Clay Tile is able to withstand rodents, fires, and major weather temperatures. Clay is used frequently in high temperature areas like Arizona and the Southwest. It has the ability to shield your property from heat damage with very little wear and tear. Clay tile is seen as one the most durable and longest lasting types of materials that you can choose for your roof. Because this material is so durable, it is more expensive.  Clay tile is an excellent choice if you are willing to pay a bit more for it.

4.Metal
As far as physical strength, metal is an amazing roofing material. Metal is great because it is able to maintain a constant temperature in your home. Metal is so powerful it can withstand almost any element that comes up against it. Environmentally, metal is great because it can be created from recycled materials. The only downside to metal would be cold weather. It is easy for metal to shield heat, but metal embraces colder temperatures; so in order to ensure warmth, added insulation is needed to keep your home warm.

Roofing material choices are as varied just like you tastes and needs. It is important to research materials,their price, and the protection they offer in order to find what is the best material for you and your home.