JF Lopez Roofing LLC Blog

Reaching Community Service Milestones with Habitat for Humanity

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 20:58:54 GMT

After a slow start to 2020, JF Lopez Roofing continues working toward their goal to donate 100 roofs for 100 homes.

Beginning in 2016, JF Lopez partnered with Habitat for Humanity in the Fox Valley area, Fond du Lac county, Dodge county and Washington county in hopes of donating 100 roofs for 100 families in need. They named this service initiative, Legacy 100 . Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping build or improve homes for families. The relationship between JF Lopez and Habitat for Humanity has allowed the company to create a long-lasting legacy on the community the best way they know how, by providing beautiful, high-quality roofs.

Due to the fallout at the beginning of the year created by COVID-19, Habitat for Humanity experienced a shortage of volunteers due to restrictions that resulted in project delays, said Oshkosh Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Tom Simon.

“The biggest set back is that we cannot bring people together like we used to,” said Simon. “Our crew seems to welcome that the pandemic is a problem, not an excuse.”

Recently, JF Lopez resumed their partnership with Habitat for Humanity, donating six roofs within the last year, recognizing their role in giving families hope that a safe place to call home is in progress.

“Your roofs are a visible symbol that a house is being built,” said Simon. “Contractors donating services or supplies are getting us through.”

Early in September, JF Lopez reached a milestone in their mission to complete Legacy 100 , when they donated the 30th roof to Oshkosh Habitat for Humanity. Even though the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are apparent in most businesses and everyday life in general, JF Lopez and Habitat for Humanity have joined forces to emphasize the importance of joining forces to accomplish a common goal: continue to serve the community.

Habitat for Humanity chapters are always looking for volunteers, donations or any other assistance that can be offered. Check out your local Habitat’s website to learn more about what difference you can make in your community.

Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity: https://foxcitieshabitat.org/

Oshkosh Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitatoshkosh.org/

Fond du Lac Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitatfdl.org/

Dodge County Habitat for Humanity: https://hfhwashco.org/

Understanding the Stages of Your Roof's Lifespan

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:46:32 GMT

Your home's roofing system goes through stages, just like people do. And it needs proper care and attention, just like people do.

When it comes to taking care of your home, many people often find themselves pushing the maintenance of their roof to the back of their minds until they find themselves in a frustrating situation with leaking, missing shingles or algae streaks. Weathering is the culprit for why 50% of roofs fail prematurely. However, this doesn’t have to be the fate of your roof, as taking proper roofing precautions with maintenance can help you get the most out of it. Understanding the three stages of a roof’s lifespan will help you gauge what you should be doing for your home. Taking initiative right away in choosing the right contractor and warranty program will assist you in all stages of your roof’s lifespan.

Stage 1: New Roof. This phase lasts from the birth of the roof up until about year two. While maintenance of the roof isn't a priority in this new phase, it is crucial to be involved in the process of the installation. Keep a close eye on the design of the roof. Ask about the reliability and durability of the materials being used for your new roof. While it may be more expensive for premium materials, it is better to pay now rather than later. You can avoid extra roofing costs down the road by spending more on higher quality materials that won’t buckle under extreme weather conditions. Many roofing companies offer a variety of warranty options for your roof to help minimize maintenance costs down the road as well.

Spending money on roofing installation will often take a backseat, as it is a less glamorous investment than others. However making careful decisions during this stage of your roof’s lifespan can help save you time, money and stress in the long run. Choosing the right roofing company is one of the most important first decisions you can make. Certain contractors can offer better warranty options than others, so do your research on which company will protect your home’s roofing system the best.

With only 2% of roofing contractors awarded this status, the GAF Master Elite certification allows JF Lopez Roofing to offer exclusive options such as the Golden Pledge, ensuring customers with GAF roofing materials up to a 50 year warranty for materials, 25 year warranty for labor, up to 130 mile per hour wind coverage and a one-time transfer to a new homeowner. Annual training allows the company to maintain this achievement while keeping up with industry standards, new installation practices and offering a variety of products and shingle colors.

Our company’s completion of the DECRA Metal training program also allows JF Lopez Roofing to offer a lifetime warranty on DECRA materials. This training has allowed complex installations such as the Hearthstone Historic House Museum to be possible.

Stage 2: Maintenance Period. This stage typically occurs after the second year all the way up to 15 years old. Maintenance is key during this period to ensure a long-lasting roof. This stage is often overlooked due to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality that many homeowners may have. Consider the five tips below when taking action to properly maintain your roof.

Keep an eye out for missing or damaged shingles, as they’re a lot cheaper to replace individually.
Trim branches near your home to prevent falling leaves from pooling on your roof as well as broken branches from damaging the system during storms or extreme wind.
Clean your gutters to allow proper drainage so that water does not pool on your roof.
Acknowledge your chimney’s maintenance, as damage to it can also damage your roof.
Reach out to a local contractor for an evaluation to detect any issues before they get bigger.

Stage 3: Re-Roofing Period. Many lower quality residential roofs will typically last up to 15 years. However, proper maintenance could extend the lifespan up to 30 years. Higher quality roofs have the potential to last a minimum of 25 years and up to 50 years. When the time comes to get a new roof, it isn’t always obvious when that is. Not only should you consider the age of your roof, but do a walk-through with this checklist from American Dream Restoration to identify if your home’s roof needs to be replaced. Consult your local roofing contractor for an expert opinion as well.

Familiarizing yourself with what a contractor can offer you before hiring will set the precedent for a healthy, long-lasting roofing system. Your roof's lifespan starts and ends with this decision, so be sure to acknowledge each stage of the cycle in order to give your roof the proper attention and care it needs.

How to Prepare Your Roof for a Storm

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 17:14:24 GMT

Extreme weather is inevitable. Learn what you can do as a homeowner to minimize damage to your property's roof.

No matter where you live, extreme weather is guaranteed to sneak up on you and your home at one point or another. Hurricanes, tornadoes, hail and severe thunderstorms threaten the condition of your home’s roof. Heavy rain and strong winds are two popular culprits of roofing damage that can end up costing a lot to repair or replace. Nobody can control the weather, however there are 4 proactive ways to make sure your roof is as ready as possible to take on a storm.

1. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out. Nobody likes the long, boring process of cleaning gutters, but it's worth the hassle if it means saving you from a bigger pain down the road. Having leaves and other debris in your gutters during a storm is a bad idea, as this can clog your gutters from being able to drain rainwater. This extra weight can make your gutters vulnerable to breaking or falling. Keeping a free flowing path for water will also prevent standing water from pooling on your roof, which lowers the risk of leakage as well.

2. Trim overhanging branches near your home. Strong winds can rip off branches and blow them onto your roof. The amount of damage this could cause is unpredictable, depending on the size of branches, distance from the house and the severity of the storm. Stray branches can break windows, tear down gutters and fall on your house. Make sure to follow the standard rule stating branches should not be within 6 feet of your home. There are some instances where trees don’t have any business being in your yard, as they’re more of a liability than anything. Check out IKO’s take on signs that a tree is ill or unstable to see if a tree is hazardous to your property.

3. Identify and replace any missing or damaged shingles. It is likely that your home may have some missing or damaged shingles from previous weathering, so take a quick look to see if you should have any replaced before the storm. Missing shingles should be replaced to prevent leaking and water damage to your ceiling. It is a little harder to detect a damaged shingle that should be replaced. Look for shingle tabs that are curling, lifting, blistering or have loss of granulation, as this is a result of poor sealing or wind damage. Work with a local contractor to get your roof ready for storm season.

4. Be prepared to file an insurance claim if there is extensive damage. Aim to familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to help make a strong case for your claim. Everyone’s insurance is different, so making sure you know what type of coverage you have for your home is the first order of business. Roofing repairs or replacements can be expensive, so cutting down the cost through insurance can be crucial for many people. If you end up having to file a claim, it is helpful to document the damage to provide for your insurance. Before and after pictures may also strengthen your claim, so have a few on hand, especially if you’re living in an area where extreme weather is no stranger.

There is no magical plan to escape the wrath of mother nature, but there are ways to reduce the risk of anything happening or level of destruction to your property if it does. Following these steps will ensure that you’re in a better position to make it through a storm without damaging your roofing system. In the event that you need to move forward with maintenance after severe weather hits, reach out to your local roofing contractor to confirm you are receiving the best possible care for your home.

5 Tips for Helping Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:13:42 GMT

Finding a contractor you can trust can be tricky. Here are some tips to help narrow down the search.

Inevitably, you’re probably going to have to hire a contractor to either replace or maintain your home or company’s roof at some point in life. Old age, harsh weather and other external factors will ultimately take a toll on your roof during its lifespan. These days it's pretty common to find someone who will work on your roof, but it isn’t guaranteed they are legitimate, or someone you should be placing trust in. Replacing or maintaining a roof can cost you a pretty penny, and at the end of the day it’s important to pass the job off to professionals that have your best interest at heart, ensuring that your home or business receives the best care possible.

It isn’t always easy to pick out who’s for real and who’s not, so here are a few tips to follow when hiring a roofing contractor in order to ensure quality service and professionalism.

1. Check for proper licensing, insurance and training. In some states, it is not legally required to have a certified roofing license in order to replace, repair or inspect a roof, unless asbestos is present. Hiring a licensed contractor ensures that your roofer knows the industry and they are familiar with current installation and maintenance practices, along with safety rules and regulations. In case of any mishaps, licensed roofers have insurance, which will protect you from being liable for any potential harm to a worker or your property. Having an insured contractor will weed out potential scam artists that are looking for financial compensation from injury that may have happened from lack of attention to safety. Proper safety training is important, as it will reduce the risk of accidents happening, so don’t be afraid to ask your potential contractor about their safety protocols before hiring them. Professional companies will prioritize safety of their employees and your property.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the materials being used. There are a lot of different options to choose from when it comes to making decisions about materials based on durability, cost, color and style. Familiarize yourself with options and pay attention to how your contractor communicates with you. A good contractor will want to include you in the process, as this translates into authenticity and good customer service. Material choices are crucial, as they will be part of your home for a long time and can essentially affect the overall value of your home or business.

3. Reference your potential contractors’ Better Business Bureau rating . Cross-checking a company with the BBB’s website is helpful for customers when researching a company. It is a reliable source of information including business details, accreditations, reviews, services and they often include sample photos. As stated on the BBB’s website, “BBB accreditation means that a company has been reviewed and approved to meet high standards in business regarding honesty, integrity, professionalism, licensing, customer service and truth in advertising.”

4. Identify the company’s digital footprint. It’s 2020. For the most part, you can easily educate yourself about a company with a quick Google search, and you’ll be directed to their website, Facebook page, Google Business account, Yelp page and probably a handful of articles in which they were referenced. Most times, you will be able to find photos and promoted content from credible roofers, as they are proving they take pride in their services. Ask yourself some questions of what’s important to you. Do a little digging and see if any of these sources will open up the door to offer insight on who the employees are behind the logo. Identify what types of values these companies emphasize, as these often serve as pillars to the foundation of a company, and they will essentially translate into your experience with your contractor.

5. Look locally. Often, local companies are more likely driven by serving their community rather than maximizing a profit from it. This can help ease your mind of any fear regarding overpaying or lack of attention on your project. Local companies are usually focused on providing quality work, good customer service and fair prices. Since they get most of their business through recommendations and loyal customers, local companies pride themselves in maintaining a good reputation with the community it serves, unlike corporations that have the luxury of money and prominence to be less concerned about each individual customer.

Placing your home or business in the hands of a contractor can be nerve-wracking, but following these tips to help select a contractor will undoubtedly reduce the risk of overpaying, poor service, harm to a worker, property damage or low-quality work. Your home or business is a big part of your life, so be cautious about selecting someone to take care of it. If you do diligent research and make sure to use these tips as filters for selection, you will ultimately find your roofing contractor match made in heaven.