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?

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.

Extend a roof’s life expectancy with preventive maintenance

By Dave Locklear, Arrowstar Roofing

(Originally published in OKC Friday)

You had leaks for years, but finally installed a new roofing system and now you won’t have to worry about anything for several years, right? Wrong….

Preventive maintenance should start the day the roof is completed. Proactive and preventive maintenance will extend the life of your roof and save you money in the long run.

A lot can happen to a roof in six months to one year, especially in Oklahoma. Not only is Oklahoma’s weather extreme, but we are a state that does not require roofing companies to have a state license like plumbers, electricians, etc. We have to solely accept the fact that our roofer has installed the roof according to manufacturer’s specifications and he’s honest.

With over 30 years experience in the roofing industry, I can tell you that every roof that is at least 2-3 years old requires some maintenance every year. Roofs need cleaning off each year to remove debris, cans, etc. that will end up in drains, clogging them up.

Simple roofs usually require pipe boot replacement after just a few years due to the poor quality of the material. Although some states require pipe jacks be made out of lead, Oklahoma does not. Lead will last longer than the roof will.

The most important step to protecting your roof is Spring and Fall inspections. The fee for this is usually minimal.

With preventive maintenance being so important you would think roofing companies would have a repair/maintenance division, but few do. Most only want to install new roofs.

After visiting with a customer recently and telling him of the importance of maintaining his roof instead of always installing a new roof, I explained, “If you had a leak under your sink and a plumber came over and said, ‘Well, it’s sure leaking—we’ll have to replace the plumbing in the whole house.’” The customer chuckled and said, “Of course not.” However, many roofers convince homeowners they need a new roof when they really only need a little repair and maintenance.

Many commercial flat roofs can be maintained by applying coatings, if done within 3 to 5 years. This process can extend the life, in some cases, indefinitely, as well as reflect heat and UV radiation.

The most important thing to remember about your roof is, don’t forget about it and get a qualified roofing professional to Inspect, Inspect, Inspect…