Pittsburgh winters are unpredictable.  One day it is 40 degrees, the next so bitter cold that schools close. We can have 2 feet of snow and have it all melted a day later. ​When the cold weather arrives in PIttsburgh, that doesn't mean you have to wait until spring to get that new roof.  You can schedule your roof replacement during the winter months.
A qualified, knowledgeable roofer will know when and if any extra steps need to be taken to properly apply asphalt shingles in various temperatures and conditions.  If a problem develops over the winter, leak or weather damage, it is better to get it checked and repaired or replaced instead of waiting until warmer temperatures. By that time a small issue might be a big problem.

There is an advantage to getting a new roof in the cold season. Roofers are usually less busy and will likely be able to get to your job sooner and with more manpower than in the busy spring and summer seasons.

If you know a new roof is on the horizon, don't be afraid to call a professional roofing contractor with a track record of quality work to get the job started at any time of year.

Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in shingle roof replacement.
www.craiggoukerroofing.com     (412)664-7679

Mold grows indoors when spores in the air land on wet surfaces caused by roof leaks, plumbing problems, ventilation issues, and other moisture sources.  Molds produce allergens and in some cases toxic substances that can cause reactions in people with allergies and asthma.  Mold spores grow when moisture is present so keeping your home dry will prevent a problem in the first place.  After cleaning up mold, if the water problem isn't solved, mold will return.  It is important to accurately assess a mold problem and have clean-up and moisture problems handled professionally.

For more information on Mold, check out the EPA's Guide to Mold, Moisture, and your Home.
Or this article on the dangers of mold from a leaky roof  and this article on mold removal from Water Damage Advisor.

Choosing the colors and styles of the new shingles can be a tough decision.  This roof will be around for 20 to 50 years.  Take time to compare the options to make a decision you can enjoy for years.

Consider the climate and energy saving possibilities.  One study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Research Paper FPL–RP–543) found that the plywood decking of black roofs were 10°-15° warmer on sunny days than white roofs.  In darkness, the roof temperature was the same.  Typically, other colors show little to no difference in temperature.  A more significant factor, however, in roof temperature is proper ventilation.

Coordinate with the existing color of the home’s exterior.  While other exteriors and features can be changes, brick is permanent.  Roof color should work with the brick color first then consider the other features.  Don’t try to match the roof to the exterior exactly.  This will result in a boring, monotone look.  It is nearly impossible to match the colors exactly and one or the other may fade with time.  Go with colors that complement each other.  Gray or black shingle colors work well with gray and blue homes.  Homes that are shades of brown look best with brown, tan or a mix of the two.  If the home is white a gray or black roof gives it a traditional look.  Other colors can be more flexible and leave more options for personal taste.  If the existing or new exterior is varied in colors and shades, a less varied roof will prevent the overall look of the home from being too “busy”.  If the home exterior is plain, a multi-dimensional color adds interest.  Dark colors also tend to make the house look small where light colors make the house look larger or taller.

Get real life shingle samples and compare them at the actual home.  Look at them in different lighting, time of day, shade, and weather as these can change the tone of the shingle color.

Don’t just consider colors.  Complement the architecture of the home.  Be sure to match the shingle style with the architectural style of the house.  There are many different shingle styles available, simple 3-tab traditional, architectural or dimensional styles and luxury styles.  Some of these premium shingles mimic the look of other roofing materials such as slate or clay.

Anyone can have a website built, show great pictures of finished roofs, and say they are the best.  They can create a mirage that makes homeowners think they are qualified to provide excellent workmanship.
A mirage is something that appears real but in fact is without substance or reality.  It is an illusion or trickery.   Some roofing contractors will provide the illusion they are more when they are a one man crew in a pick-up with very little experience, or are even scam artists.

So how do you tell the difference?

Credibility is how.  Credibility is the quality of being believable or worthy of trust, having integrity and being reliable.

You wouldn't trust your family's home to someone who wasn't credible, would you?

Like the water mirage in the desert, the closer you get the mirage fades away and you see there is only barren desert ahead.  To tell the difference between a credible roofer and a mirage, get a little closer.

Does the roofer not only have nice website but is it informative about the contractor, his crews, equipment and location.  Does it show you that he really knows the craft?

Beyond the website, does the roofer have a permanent location or could they leave town in a blink and not be there when you need them?

Do they have their own well maintained equipment that is needed to get the job done right or is it a small pick-up truck with ladders tied to it?

Are the employees his or subcontractors?  This is important because a roofing contractor who hires subcontractors really doesn't know the quality of the work and the experience of the workers.  Roofers who hire their own crews will stand by the quality of their work.

Are they licensed and insured?  When in doubt, check it out.  If you are not sure, ask for proof of insurance or license.  In the commonwealth of PA you can look up their contractors license at the attorney general website hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/.  An uninsured roofer or under-insured roofer puts your home at risk.  Their insurance protects you in case of injury on your property, damage to your home or a neighbors and more.

Do they have reviews or referrals on other reputable source's websites such as Google and the BBB?  Sure they can put customer quotes on their site, but third party sites are non-biased and out of the contractors control, so that is where you will find good, or bad, reviews.

Did they come on time and provide a detailed estimate of the work to be done including materials to be used, specific aspects of the projects, and potential problems that may occur?

Get a little closer and move past the mirage to find the qualified roofer with the credibility you want to work on your home and get a little closer to Craig Gouker Roofing.  We are licensed and insured, hire only the best roofers, have our own equipment and two permanent locations with a warehouse and two showrooms.  Check out our reviews and referrals online and give us a call.  We will answer any questions, provide a detailed estimate, professional service and quality workmanship.  You will find, without doubt, Craig Gouker Roofing is the most credible roofing contractor for your project.

​Craig Gouker Roofing has been installing quality residential roofing in South East Pittsburgh since 1991 and is the expert in asphalt shingle roof replacement.
www.craiggoukerroofing.com     (412)664-7679