With the recent storm damage Etowah County experienced over the past year, local GAF Roofing representative Deidra Johnson answers common questions homeowners face following unprecedented circumstances, helping residents make informed decisions as they plan for the future.
1. Following a storm, describe the first step an individual might take after identifying repairs necessary.
After a storm, it’s important for homeowners to assess and repair any damage quickly. If not sure where to start, GAF has four simple steps to help homeowners navigate the repair process – known as R.O.O.F. – reach out to a certified contractor, outline your questions, open an insurance claim and final inspection.
2. Do you have any tips concerning the repairing process?
When navigating the repair process, it’s important to consult with a professional and to take quick action to prevent further damage. Homeowners can do a preliminary assessment of damage and look for the following conditions:
Outside the home. Residents can look for visible roof debris or damage, such as a tree limb or hail damage, a sagging roof, cracked, curling, or missing shingles or chipped exterior paint.
Inside the home. Residents can look for outside light shining into the attic, which could indicate a breach in the roof, visible damage to the roof rafters and joists, water stains or peeling paint on the ceiling or walls or moisture and mildew in the attic.
3. How should homeowners select a contractor?
Using a qualified roofing contractor is important because they can help homeowners with the repair process from start to finish. Homeowners can visit GAF.com and click the “Find a Contractor” button and plug in their zip code to find GAF-certified contractors nearby who can help with home repairs.
All GAF-certified contractors are properly insured and licensed for homeowners’ protection, so they can rest easy knowing they are covered, including liability insurance, workmen’s compensation and state licensed where required and applicable.
All GAF-certified contractors are reputable and trustworthy with a track record for providing quality roofing services in the local community, good standing with the Better Business Bureau and good credit rating per Experian.
All GAF-certified contractors are highly qualified and up to date on the latest technology and practices, GAF trained and certified, have high property owner job satisfaction ratings and are able to offer the strongest GAF warranties.
4. What questions should they ask the contractor?
Local codes and ordinances. Who will obtain the permit? Are permit costs included? Will you conduct an inspection before and after doing the work?
Product choices. How many shingle choices do you offer? Are they listed by the brand and manufacturer’s name? What warranties can you offer?
Estimates and payment. Do you offer free estimates? What are the payment terms? How do I pay my insurance deductible?
Clean-up and inspection. How will they make sure your yard and home stay free from stray nails and other debris? Who will inspect the job and when will that be?
Scheduling. How many days will the project take? What might cause possible delays in the schedule? Is there a no-later-than finish date?
5. Why is enlisting a contractor important concerning home repairs?
Homeowners should leave roof evaluations to the pros for the following reasons.
It takes a trained eye. Significant storm damage might not look like much at all to the untrained eye, but an experienced roofing contractor such as a GAF Master Elite contractor knows how to read the tell-tale signs of damage.
They can explain the damage to the insurance adjuster: Someone is going to have to show this damage to an insurance adjuster. A Master Elite Contractor is trained to recognize damage, and “speak the same language” as the adjuster, so they can communicate clearly and help ensure the loss is covered correctly. To find a trustworthy, GAF factory-certified contractor in the area, visit gaf.com/contractor.
6. Describe the services GAF offers, specifically in storm-related situations.
For storm-related situations, GAF recommends homeowners use Timberline HDZ Shingles, which offer industry-leading technology and real peace of mind for homeowners seeking a high-quality roofing shingle. When installed with the required combination of four qualifying accessories as part of a complete roofing system from GAF, new Timberline HDZ shingles are eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty – an industry first 15-year wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation – meaning homeowners in storm areas can rest easy knowing their roof is well-protected. In addition to its industry-first wind warranty, the product also boasts:
Highest Roofing Fire Rating: UL Class A, listed to ANSI/UL 790; Title 24 compliant
LayerLock™ Technology: Proprietary technology mechanically fuses the common bond between overlapping shingle layers
7. How does GAF differ from other similar businesses?
GAF is North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer with more than 135 years of experience and expertise. The company leverages its expertise, resources, and products to help power the potential of communities and provide an inclusive opportunity for all, through three key social impact priorities: Creating Disaster Resiliency, Helping Neighbors and Building Community.
8. How would you describe GAF’s mission?
GAF’s mission is to protect what matters most to our customers while transforming the roofing and waterproofing industries.
We deliver innovative and customer-centric solutions that help contractors grow their businesses, create value for property owners, and provide peace of mind for families and businesses.
With a culture built on safety and values, we empower our employees, provide opportunities for personal growth, and create a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.
9. Is there a message you would like to send to the Etowah County community regarding GAF?
Making repairs after a sudden storm can be intimidating. GAF understands that and strives to act as a resource to the Etowah County community to help locals navigate those repair processes.