These may be strong words…  but to be frank, very honest.  These are not ordinary times, our economy is in a tailspin and the real estate market has been decimated, leaving countless construction workers and contractors out of work. Unfortunately, in desperation, many roofing contractors are giving away their work just trying to stay a float, but hurting the roofing trade at the same time. 

There is nothing wrong with being competitive, out marketing or selling your competition but when a naïve or plain desperate roofing contractor starts slashing their pricing so dramatically all it does is ruin the value of their trade.  I know so many of these types of contractors who wrongly think that discounting their trade is “keeping their guys busy” or “out selling their competition”, only to go out of business a year or so later.  This hurts the industry, the workers and hurts the consumer.

With that being said, this can also be a great time for residential and commercial property owners to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on their next roofing project.  But, buyers beware! Having your roofing project done by a desperate roofing contractor could be a potential roofing disaster.

If a homeowner or commercial property owner wants to get the best value on their roofing project I suggest hiring a certified roof inspector and have a Visual Roof report done on their property.  This will inform them of their roof issues, square footage of their roof, and options, roof repair or roof replacement.  If the certified roof inspector is a licensed contractor as well they will offer a scope of work, which the property owner can shop.  Contacting three different roofing contractors (or two additional roofing contractors) to bid on the same scope of work, comparing apples to apples.  Thus, getting the lowest price possible and a professional job at the same time.

You can find local certified roof inspectors at HAAG Engineering or the National Roof Certification and Inspection Association or visit www.theroomedics.com for more information on the process.

Rapture takes away roofing storm chasers leaving judgment day for homeowners with poor roofing workmanship.

After, months of slick salesmen, out of state roofers with their trucks and trailers loaded with discarded roofing, Phoenix property owners found relief after hail storms hit Texas and Colorado sending roofing storm chasers fleeing from Arizona. Unfortunately, while most storm chasers have left the area, their poor workmanship is ”Judgment Day” for Phoenix property owners and may last for years to come.

Judgment day may be a bit dramatic, but my office is getting calls from homeowners, insurance companies and mortgage companies requesting roof inspections because of poor workmanship. Homeowners can sigh a bit of relief that high pressure, door knocking, roofing sales guys are mostly gone, but, homeowners should beware that there are still several companies lurking around neighborhoods seeking their next victims.

if you have any misgiving about the workmanship of your new roof contact your insurance company of mortgage company and let them know your concerns. Most companies want to protect their investment and will contact a third party to inspect your roof to insure quality.

Every year in the United States commercial buildings are extensively damaged or destroyed by the affects of rooftop ponding water on flat roofs.

I predict that a large number of property owners will experience roof leaks and understandably think it is the roof and call a roofing contractor during the next Arizona monsoon season. Many times the problem may not be from the roof itself, but from clogged roof drains. After storms and over the years, a building’s roof drain can become clogged with debris causing the water to overflow and leak into the building. If the drain becomes plugged, it may cause water to back up and flow over the drain flashing and into the building itself. From there it may leak down the walls or into ceilings.

Just remember, one large ponding area on a roof can easily weigh more than an F-250 pickup. Regular roof maintenance is necessary and it may save property owners big bucks.

There is an “Easy-Do-It-Yourself” roof Drain Filter. Installing a Roof Drain Filter can help avoid clogged drains and expensive water damage by keeping leaves and large debris away from roof drains. The economical, easy-to-install Roof Drain Filter holds drain-clogging litter, wind blown leaves and other debris away from the drain strainer but allows high water flow. Our new Roof Drain Filter installs in minutes using common hand tools, cable ties, roofing adhesive or wire and needs minimal upkeep. Easily maintain by sweeping top and sides to remove built up sediment and debris.

Just remember, annual roof inspections can save property owners money by catching a problem like a clogged roof drain early, before the monsoon season starts!

With the recent storms that hit parts of the Phoenix area, roofs were plummeted by hail and most property owners are unaware of the damaged that was caused. Since we live in the Valley of the Sun, most of us are unaware of how hail can cause immediate damage to the functionality of their roofs, not to mention a few years down the road. Some roofs systems fair better than others, concrete tile being the most durable, while Mexican sand-cast tile crumbles under hail.  There are many sprayed foam roofs that suffered extreme damaged in this week's hailstorm, but few property owners are even having their roofs inspected for damage.

I am warning Phoenix property owners of roofing scams. There are many roofing contractors that claim to get property owners free roofs and Phoenix roofers are hungry so beware of any roofing contractor that says we can replace your roof for free. Also, reports are coming down that owners of high-pressure sales organizations are headed to the Valley of the Sun. They are seeking small roofing companies to work with, using their contractor's license to sell roofs in Arizona.  These high pressure sales groups have their own crews or "hired guns" to put on the roofs as quickly and cheaply as possible, then they will move on to the next storm area.  The sad part, the poor Arizona roofing contractor has to warranty their work long after the "hired guns" are gone.

Property owners should take a no BS approach to hail damaged roofs; that the best way to protect yourself is have your roof inspected immediately by a certified roof inspector and not just a roofing contractor. Certified roof inspectors offer written roof audits and reports about your roof and its damages if any. These reports will allow the property owner time to deal with their insurance companies and help them get the most out of their insurance claim.

Arizona is getting some help when it comes to housing. $45 million is coming our way from the federal government. It's part of the government's Neighborhood Stabilization program, and aims to help neighborhoods reverse the effects of foreclosures by providing financial assistance to home buyers to get them into those homes. “That’s great news for those new home buyers, but what about the rest of us who have homes that are underwater? With no budgets to repair roof leaks what are property owners to do?’ states Nicholas Bryditzki, The Roof Medic and roof repair expert.

The Roof Medics Consumer Roof Consultants is now offering their own version of stimulus money to Arizona property owners. The Roof Medics is offering a $100 credit toward any standard shingle or flat roof repair, a $250 credit toward tile roof repairs and a $500 credit towards any re-roofing project. Each roof estimate comes complete with a roof report providing options for property owners. “This is not a credit towards an artificially inflated price, but an actual credit to help struggling property owners with their roofing issues! Just because our market is obliterated doesn’t mean we can’t work together until it comes back.” says Bryditzki.

The Roof Medics LLC of Arizona is a full service roofing company that specializes in roof repair and roof restoration. The Roof Medics have a unique approach to repairing and restoring roofs. Bryditzki continues, “I feel like a lone wolf out here… 7 out of 10 roofs can be repaired. Most Roofing Contractors are all too ready to remove your existing roof and sell you an expensive new roof.”

There is No Insurance Conspiracy… It is simple; insurance companies are not your friends. A large amount of property owners are grossly underpaid by insurance companies every year.

After the recent storms earlier this year many commercial property owners filed claims for roof damage. Unfortunately, much of the roof damages are not repaired due to underpaid claims. Large amounts of property owners are grossly underpaid by their insurance company on their claims when they do have property damage… sometimes even by 150%-200% (If even paid at all).

There is a basic insurance principle and that every property owner should remember: The insurance company is in business to make money and there is nothing wrong with that. But, commercial property owners have to understand, insurance is like a bet; the insurance company is playing the odds.

“Insurance companies are betting that there will be more people paying in, then claims being paid out. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great insurance companies that charge a premium and when you have a claim they are Johnny-on-the-spot, their higher costs are well worth the added expense, especially for commercial property owners. But in general, when they pay a claim they lose their bet.” Says Nicholas Bryditzki a HAAG Engineering Certified roof inspector and roof restoration expert.

This is not a conspiracy theory. Rather, it is a reasonable explanation of how insurance companies make money, and how their adjusters earn raises and keep their jobs for saving the company money. Remember these individual adjusters are simply trying to look out for themselves, especially in this economy.

Bryditzki states, “I have been on many commercial roofs, providing adjusters information, industry standards and pricing, only to have them come back with an insulting underpaid claim offer to the insured.”

Nicholas Bryditzki suggests that every commercial property owner have their roof inspected and have a documented roof report done every year. After a major storm, especially hail, have their roof inspected and damaged documented immediately. File the claim quickly and by no means have an insurance adjuster on their roof without their roofing contractor present.

What is Ponding Water: Ponding water is defined as the water which remains on a roof 48 hours or more.

Most flat roofs require some sort of pitch or slope to avoid ponding water. But unfortunately, ponding water occurs on most flat roofs. Ponding water can seriously increase the load on a roof assembly. As water accumulates, deck deflections (sags) can increase, resulting in more ponding water which could compromise the structural integrity of the deck.

Ponded water creates hydrostatic pressure that forces water into even the tiniest pinhole imperfections. This is why most roof warranties are voided in areas that pond water for more than 48 hours. Additionally, ponding areas rot roofing membranes, attract dirt/mud and algae, and quickly destroy any reflectivity of reflective coatings.

By far the biggest risk associated with ponding water is weight and the potential for damage to the roof deck or collapse of the decking system.

Ponding water weighs approximately 5 lbs. per inch, per each square foot of roof surface. A ponded area 20'x20' at 1" deep would equal 400 total square feet at 5 lbs per foot or a roof live weight of 2,000 pounds!

That can be an additional ONE TON of live roof load of stress on your building's roof!

Ponding Water Can Become a Serious Health Issue: If water stays on your roof several health issues can arise. Warming water facilitates the growth of algae, mixed with pigeon feces can create harmful fungal material that could effect the air quality in your building.

Have your roof inspected frequently, especially after a good rain to avoid future problems or worst premature roof replacement.

With all the promises of government bailouts and free services, cash strapped and over-taxed commercial property owners won't be getting help for their leaky roofs any time soon by the government.

President Obama may gloat about the recent Health Care Reform Bill that narrowly passed the democratic controlled congress on Sunday and was signed into law yesterday. Unfortunately, the new bill does not address the aging population of America’s commercial roofs.  The financial responsibility still remains with the over taxed commercial property owner.

As commercial roofs age and deteriorate commercial property owners are faced with the overwhelming and expensive task of roof  replacement. With occupancy down, tax hikes just around the corner, most commercial property owners are seeking alternatives to expensive roof replacement.

They shouldn’t look to Congress or their roofing contractor for relief, says Nicholas Bryditzki  , The Roof Medic and roof restoration expert. “Most contractors love the idea of removing your existing roof and installing a expensive new one! Unfortunately, most property owners are never given the option of a economical roof restoration”.

The Roof Medics’ Triple Crown Roof Restoration System can save most worn-out roofs other roofing contractors must tear off. It saves property owners money   and saves America’s landfills. Plus, in most cases, can have major tax advantages for the property owner.

The Roof Medics’ roof restoration option is a seamless monolithic roof complete with asphalt and felt (glass fiber reinforcement), except that the finish product is much more versatile and durable than that of a standard built-up roof. “This forgotten roof restoration process has a successful 60-year track record and it’s inexpensive compared to re-roofing,” states Bryditzki.

Contractorphobia- The fear of being ripped off, spending too much money or worst, being talked into replacing a perfectly good roof prematurely by an unscrupulous roofing contractor
It finally rained in Arizona and everybody is celebrating the rain.  We all love the sound of rain on our roofs, the fresh smell and the rolling thunder.  Or so we say.  In fact, we all the love rain until we have a roof leak. When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor homeowners get cold feet and start looking for excuses to avoid calling a roofing contractor. They either see if they can fix the roof leak themselves or worst, ignore the roof leak and hope it goes away.

“I listen to lots of homeowners who are afraid of calling roofing contractors. No matter who I talk to, we have all heard those horror stories about being ripped-off by an unscrupulous roofing contractor,” says Nicholas Bryditzki, The Roof Medic and owner of The Roof Medics Consumer Roof Consultants,  “But I also see huge numbers of them do nothing because some greedy roofing contractor gave them an expensive bid to replace their roof. Frankly, with property values down, unemployment up, they have a good reason to be afraid of spending money, especially if they don’t have to.  They suffer from what I call “Contractorphobia” a fear of being ripped off by an unscrupulous roofing contractor.”
 
The 4 Signs of “Contractorphobia” Are:

1.        Nervous when rain is in the forecast.
2.        Knowing they have a leak and ignoring it, hoping it won’t rain again.
3.        Getting bid after bid and not knowing who to trust.
4.        Trying to fix their roof themselves.
 
“Contractorphobia” isn’t the same as not wanting to fix your roof.  It’s having the desire to do something about your roof leak but allowing the fear of getting ripped off, spending too much money or worst, being talked into replacing a perfectly good roof prematurely by an unscrupulous roofing contractor.
“Everyone gets butterflies in their stomach when something goes wrong in their home,” says Bryditzki.  “For those who let fear stop them from getting their roofs fixed before it turns into a major roofing disaster, we can recommend some tips that will help put those contractor fears behind them.”

7 out of 10 ROOFS CAN BE REPAIRED!
Don’t Be Robbed Blind By A Roofing Contractor

That’s right! 7 out of 10 Roofs Can Be Repaired… Most property owners trust roofing contractors to look after their roofs, which protect their largest asset. Instead of guiding property owners towards the best roofing solution and ensuring them to get the best value for their money, most roofing contractors recommend removing the existing roof and installing a expensive new one. Roofing contractors are grabbing giant profits by replacing roofs before their time.
 
Fighting talk???  Perhaps, but absolutely true, says- Nicholas Bryditzki, The Roof Medic. “There has been many times I have witnessed roofing contractors, even reputable ones with inexperienced estimators or “slick” sales people sell a new roof to an unsuspecting property owner”.  
 
Here’s the number reason why… MONEY!  Most roofing companies employ commissioned sales people, why would they sell a $600 repair and earn $42 to $60 commission (depending on their commission structure), when they can sell a $8,000 new roof and be paid $560-$800 for the sale?  Using this same scenario, take the smaller contractor- why have a sale of $600 when you can have an $8,000 sale on your books.  
 
Now, to be fair to reputable roofing contractors (who are out there) they have to weigh the liability of repair verses replacement.  If the roof is beyond repair or border line, a good contractor will inform you why it might be wise to throw in the towel and have a new roof installed instead of spending the money for the repair.
 
The Roof Medic’s advise to property owners; see if your roof can be repaired first before you spend your hard-earned money on a complete new roof.  Locate a certified roofing inspector, one who will provide a written report. If you can get two, three or even more years of protection from your roof wouldn’t you want to know.  Know your options, with a full written roof report, if you want or need a new roof you can keep your roofing contractor honest, which can take all the anxiety and intimidation out of the roofing process.