Improving Curb Appeal While Protecting Your Home’s Value

Reposted Courtesy of the North American Precis Syndicate:

(NAPSI)-A roof does more than just keep the elements out. As one of the first things potential homebuyers see, it plays a large part in creating curb appeal.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends homeowners conduct seasonal roof inspections and be aware of their material options in case their roofs ever require repair or replacement. Each spring and fall, homeowners should clear debris from their gutters, check roof shingles for damage, inspect the areas around chimneys and pipes, and check walls and ceilings inside the home for water damage.

Shingles that are buckled, curled, blistered or missing an excessive amount of granules are likely at the end of their lives. So if it’s time to replace them, it is a good idea to consider such options as weather-resistant and environmentally friendly roofing shingles. Many roofing materials are engineered for impact resistance, and, as a result, homeowners who have them installed may be eligible for insurance premium reductions.

Choosing The Right Shingle

Shingle style plays a significant role in the overall look of a home, with the typical aesthetics of a roof affecting up to 40 percent of a home’s curb appeal. Vibrant and new shingle colors provide homeowners more and better roofing selections. Bold hues allow homeowners to coordinate eye-catching roofing with their siding or exterior accessories. For example, Landmark Solaris shingles from CertainTeed come in a variety of rich hues. Plus, these shingles can add a little green to the home-both environmentally and financially. Featuring roofing granules that reflect solar energy and radiate heat far better than traditional asphalt roofing shingles, they are ENERGY STAR certified, which helps earn homeowners valuable tax credits during tax season. During the summer months, these shingles can reduce the temperature of a roof, thereby reducing energy usage and utility bills.

Another option from CertainTeed is Symphony, a charming new slate-style roofing product that comes in three blends: Colonial Gray, a luxurious mixture of subtle gray; Capital Blend, a rich combination of gray, plum and green; and Evergreen, an eye-catching combination of green shades. This beautifully engineered polymer composite roofing product mimics the look and feel of traditional natural slate, yet is lighter and more durable and costs a fraction of the price. Plus, Symphony is an ENERGY STAR-rated product, and its contractor friendly design and lightweight material make it easy to install. For more about improving curb appeal and energy efficiency through roofing shingles, visit www.certainteed.com.

Seasonal roof inspections can help ensure that your home looks great and is properly protected against bad weather.

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Arrowstar Roofing & Construction are proud installers of CertainTeed residential products. For more information, or to request a free estimate, please call us locally at 405-365-6577 or visit us online at ArrowstarRoofing.com.

Oklahoman & NewsOK.com Syndicate David Locklear and Arrowstar Story

We were lucky enough to receive a telephone call yesterday afternoon from Richard Mize, Real Estate Editor from the Daily Oklahoman, who was interested in reprinting an article recently penned by David W. Locklear, owner of Arrowstar Roofing & Construction. Most of our post, Property owners urged to be ‘Patient’, says Oklahoma City roofing contractor, was included on the back page of the Business section.

Here’s the link:

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-roofer-urges-patience-caution/article/3373423?custom_click=headlines_widget

For the original post, visit:

http://oklahomacityroofing.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/property-owners-urged-to-be-%e2%80%98patient%e2%80%99-says-oklahoma-city-roofing-contractor/

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction is an Oklahoma City based roofing contractor, bonded and insured with over 35 years experience and a family tradition in Oklahoma roofing since 1942. Specializing in commercial and residential roof repair and maintenance, Arrowstar is also qualified in the application of full-scale new roofing and re-roofing products including built-up, single-ply, TPO, PVC, EPDM, hot tar, Modified Bitumen, composition and wood shingling, tile roofs and more. For more information, visit www.arrowstarroofing.com or call (405) 365-6577.

The Frog Blog: The lighter side of being a roofer…

By Dave Locklear
Owner, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Not that this has anything to do with roofing, but last week we started the process of re-opening our family’s swimming pool for the summer.

With months of no chlorine and foreign debris floating in the pool, it was a painstaking job to say the least!

With rain falling 20 out of 21 days, frogs seemed to have taken over our pool. The croaking at night was becoming unbelievable.

We started adding chlorine and shock. No effect. Nothing seemed to keep these new family members from their concrete-and-tile oasis… and from taking over the Locklear family’s pool!

For a while, the frogs would jump in without realizing they couldn’t get out. We felt it our duty to rescue them with the skimmer net to save their lives, but time and again they jumped right back in.

One night while standing by the pool, my wife said, “Look Honey, that frog is letting that other frog piggy-back rided on his back! He’s trying to save his life by getting him out of the pool!”

We both started thinking about what we had witnessed, amazed at experiencing this rare occurrence of nature and full ready to give the bottom frog a ‘Valor of Bravery’ award.

The next day my wife recounted the brave, life-saving story to her sister, who in turn told her brother-in-law.

He had a good hearty laugh.

“They’re were mating!” he said.

I like my wife’s and my version better, though. Don’t you?

Property owners urged to be ‘Patient’, says Oklahoma City roofing contractor

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction - Oklahoma Tornado and Storm Damage Experts

By David W. Locklear
Owner, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Due to the recent extreme wind and hail in various sections of the Metropolitan Oklahoma City area, Arrowstar Roofing would like to remind property owners to be patient in getting roof estimates from local contractors.

Our city has be inundated with out-of-town and ‘fly-by-night’ roofing companies, some from as far East as New Jersey.

These companies specialize in hailstorms around the United States. Some have unlimited advertising dollars, and many even rent local offices to provide more local legitimacy.

It’s important to deal locally, particularly when severe weather has residents in their most vulnerable, emotional states.

Key giveaways for spotting these ‘hail jumpers’ include out-of-state license plates on their vehicles, companies you’ve never heard of or companies in ‘close partnership’ with more local corporations, and – obviously – estimators’ accents that don’t quite seem to be Oklahoma native.

Most out-of-state companies will give from 3 to 5 year warranties, just like local companies. However, an important fact to remember is… when another hailstorm hits elsewhere in our great nation… these fly-by-nights will likely be gone upon hearing that first Weather Channel report.

What’s the downside to all this? You’re left with a worthless warranty… and often times a job that has used substandard (or used) materials or unqualified labor.

Remember to never pay more than one third to half of the total estimate as deposit prior to the work being started. Another good tip is to check area telephone books… a technique that allows you to assess whether or not the corporation has an established presence in the state of Oklahoma. Fly-by-night roofers almost never have Yellow Page or Business Directory ads.

Beware of Storm Damage Roofers

By Dave Locklear, Owner
Arrowstar Roofing & Construction

Arrowstar Roofing would like to remind home and business owners to beware of ‘fly-by-night’ or door-to-door roofing companies. These companies travel to hail storms around the country and present themselves as being a local company. Most will do a substandard job with their only intention being to get your money as fast as possible, then moving on to the next storm.

Some ‘fly-by-night’ roofing companies do acceptable work, however, if you have a leak or warranty issue 2 to 3 months down the road, the company can rarely be found as they have moved on to another location.

One giveaway of ‘fly-by-night’ salesmanis that they usually have an out-of-state phone number or an out-of-state tag. However, this may not always be the case as some large storm-chasing companies have the means to furnish their salesman with local phones as soon as they hit town.

Oklahoma is a key state for ‘fly-by-night’ companies because we do not require roofing companies to be licensed. Even though local companies have lobbied our state legislature to make roofing licensing mandatory just like plumbers, electricians and heating and air companies, the fact remains that Oklahoma has yet to act in this important matter. The sad part is, roof licensing in Oklahoma would eliminate homeowners from being taken advantage of.

Remember that Arrowstar Roofing is a family owned and operated company, with a continuous lifelong commitment to quality roofing in Oklahoma since 1942.

Tornado Damage Strikes Oklahoma: Don’t let sever roof damage deteriorate your structure further

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction - Oklahoma Tornado and Storm Damage Experts

With recent catastrophic weather events lambasting our state, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction offers its heartfelt condolences to those individuals in the Lone Grove, Oklahoma area that have lost their entire livelihoods. We will keep them in our prayers… particularly those that have suffered tragic life looses with friends and family members..

We also realize that significant damage has struck the Yukon, Edmond and Northwest Oklahoma City. The thought of losing one’s home can be earth-shattering.

Please let us assure you that Arrowstar is fully committed to assisting Oklahoma residents during these difficult times.

In addition to emergency repairs, Arrowstar also offers complete commercial and residential roof replacement, repair and maintenance in the state of Oklahoma… particularly in the greater OKC Metro area. We’ve had over 30 years experience dealing with tragic acts of mother nature, and are fully committed to handling your needs in a quick, professional manner.

From hot tar, tar and gravel, TPO/PVC, EPDM, all types of shingling and more roofing options, we are more than happy to get your job done as soon as possible in a professional manner, using only experienced journeymen roofers.

Arrowstar offers free estimates, written warranties on all reasonable jobs, and is fully insured for your protection.

Don’t allow your roof to deteriorate further after this week’s catastrophic storms.

For a free estimate, or for more information on how we can assist you in this time of need, please log on to www.arrowstarroofing.com now.

Consumer Beware: Oklahoma Roofing Licensing Myth Busted

As our business has grown, and as we have spent time researching the Oklahoma City roofing market and local contractors, and our own Arrowstar Roofing & Construction Web site, an alarming trend has caught our attention… prevalent among a minority of smaller contractors. It all boils down to a single statement:

“Oklahoma Licensed Roofing Contractor”

While verbiage and usage of the term may differ from contractor to contractor, there is a simple truth behind any person claiming to be a licensed roofing contractor in the state of Oklahoma… there is no licensing requirement to establish or operate a roofing company in Oklahoma.

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction strongly advocates further regulation of the Oklahoma roofing industry. Because of Central Oklahoma’s unpredictable, damaging weather patterns, many unknown, out-of-state contractors and “fly-by-night” roofers magically appear around town during and after storms. Cheap signage, business cards, an easy-to-acquire local telephone number and a big smile can often sway trusting consumers to disingenuous roofing contractors. Licensing in our industry is needed, but the Oklahoma Department of Commerce clearly spells out the non-licensing requirement for roofing contractors here: http://www.okcommerce.gov/index.php?option=com_busli…

Verbatim (from Okla. Dept. of Commerce Web site):

Oklahoma Business Licensing System
Business Type: Roofing Contractor
This activity is considered as a General Contractor, for which there is not a specific State license. Out-of-State contractors must contact the Tax Commission at 405-521-3279 to register and pay a bond (if working on commercial properties). They must also contact the County Clerk where the work is located and register the starting and ending dates for project.

Make no mistake: there is no such thing as an Oklahoma Roofing License. That’s the state’s words, not ours.

It’s important, however, to understand that there are licensed roofers in our great nation following strict regulations. In Louisiana, for instance, a state contractor’s license or registration is required for commercial projects over $50,000, all residential repair/remodeling projects over $7,500, projects using hazardous materials, or projects addressing mold issues. Various other states have similar regulations.

Some Oklahoma roofing contractors may hold licenses if they regularly operate out of state. In addition, some local roofing contractors may be members of any number of private professional organizations, or may hold certifications for installation of specific roofing products. All are certifications that we strongly believe add to the credibility of any roofing contractor.

But again, if someone tells you they hold their Oklahoma roofing contractor’s license… ask to see it! It will be a historic moment, as you will be gazing upon a document that no other Oklahoman has ever seen.

With the lax requirements for establishment and operation of a roofing company in Oklahoma, consumers should be very diligent and ask plenty of questions when choosing a contractor to repair or roof their home or business. Here are a few tips:

INSURANCE

Whomever you choose to repair your roof, make sure that they are insured through a reputable insurance agency for any unforeseeable damages that could be caused by the work being performed. Make sure that all subcontractors have indemnified both the contractor and property owner from accidents, and that any regular employees are covered by workman’s compensation.

REFERENCES

Go with your gut instinct. If you’re talking to a potential contractor and find yourself questioning his or her work ethic or abilities, don’t be afraid to ask for two or three references. Experienced contractors will have no problem giving them to you. Get addresses if you like… drive by these past jobs and check out their work. Contact the property owners. Be reasonable with your requests and expectations, however, and give contractors a day or two to provide this information for you. Many contractors may wish to ask permission of past customers before providing their information to a third party. However, if days pass with no references being given, it’s safe to assume the potential contractor is having trouble on this front.

JOB SCOPE VS. SIZE OF COMPANY

How big is your job? How big is your potential contractor’s company? You should weigh the risks of job size versus company infrastructure in all projects. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to hire a one-man crew to roof a large factory… but on the same note, you might not get good results trying to get the largest roofing company in the state to come and fix one single leak on your home. Make sure the size of your job fits the size of the company. Make sure your contractor has the crew and resources to get the job done. But if your project is small, or a simple leak repair, make sure you’re choosing a contractor that won’t hit you with a high minimum charge… or put you at the bottom of the list… due to other, more lucrative projects.

EXPERIENCE

There’s no replacement for experience. Period. How long has a potential contractor been in business? How long has he or she been personally involved in the roofing business? More importantly, how long has the crew doing the type of work you need done? What similar projects has your contractor completed recently, and what were the results? You don’t want to hire a life-long electrician to completely replace your roof, just like you wouldn’t hire a mailman to fix your sink. Make sure your contractor–and his or her crew–is qualified to do the work.

WARRANTIES

Now that you’ve finally been convinced of a company’s stability, legality, reputation and ability, and you’re ready to make a decision… make sure your contractor is willing to offer you a written warranty for his or her work. Nobody’s perfect. We’re all wrong from time to time. You may choose the wrong contractor, or the contractor may have misdiagnosed the problem. Be sure you are protecting yourself from the unknowns of the future by getting a written guarantee of the work that will be performed. Don’t get caught holding the bag when a contractor has done sub-par, inadequate work… or when perfect work has simply missed the problem.

Like it or not, there’s no such thing as an Oklahoma Roofing License. Unlike some states in the U.S., Oklahoma homeowners and business owners cannot be assured that their state government has pre-qualified a contractor to complete roofing projects.

However, with some consideration, diligence and a little bit of questioning, home and business owners in Oklahoma City can be confident in choosing a great contractor according to the size of their project and material application needs.

Arrowstar Roofing & Construction is an Oklahoma City based roofing contractor, bonded and insured with over 35 years experience. Specializing in commercial and residential roof repair and maintenance, Arrowstar is also qualified in the application of full-scale new roofing and re-roofing products including built-up, single-ply, TPO, PVC, EPDM, hot tar, Modified Bitumen, composition and wood shingling, tile roofs and more. For more information, visit www.arrowstarroofing.com or call (405) 365-6577.