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

When autumn begins and weather chills, it is time to think about your roof weathering the winter.

Prepare your home's roof with some do-it-yourself preparations.

Check your shingles for loose, damaged or missing pieces.  Have any damaged areas repaired or replaced.

If you are aware of leaks have them repaired to prevent further and consequential damage.

Clear the roof surface and gutters of debris that can cause ice to build-up and dam.  Cleaning gutters allows water to flow easily preventing costly ice damage.  Make sure downspouts are also clear and water flows smoothly down and away from the house.

Make sure the roof is properly ventilated.  This will prevent ice build up and the likelihood of ice dams.

Check your ceilings and attic for leaks you are not yet aware of.  Look for dark spots, sagging, mold and insects.  Look for light coming in indicating openings in the roofing.

Look for weak spots.  These areas become a problem when heavy snow adds weight to the roof structure.

Check flashing and attachments for tight fit.

Be sure to consult a professional roofing contractor for evaluation and repair to protect your warranty and ensure properly completed repairs.

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

•Finishing Details: Finishing touches that result in a good looking roof, details such as painting and neat flashing might also be taken into consideration by a roofing contractor when preparing the estimate.

•Permits: If special permits need to be purchased to complete the job, these will also factor into final cost.

•Repair: Is there damage to the roof, deck, or soffit and fascia?  If these will need to be repaired before a new roof can be installed there may be additional notes on the estimate sheet.

•Chimneys, Skylights, etc:  If there are chimneys, skylights, or other roof obstacles these will need to be inspected and determine if they will need new flashing, repair, seals and if they make it difficult to work around when installing the new roof.

•Gutters & Downspouts: Are the gutters and downspouts in good condition?  This is another possible cost to replacing a roof that the contractor and homeowner can discuss.

•Taxes: Depending where you live, there may be taxes on materials and labor costs.

•Other: A reputable, honest roofing company will carry all the proper insurance, and licenses.  These can be very expensive and may influence a contractors labor costs as well as the experience of the company and its crews.

When you are reviewing your roofing estimate keep in mind that price isn't the only factor.  Do you feel comfortable meeting with the contractor and feel they were knowledgeable?  Do they have a solid background and reputation?  If so, then they may be the best choice, even if not the lowest total price.

Infographic: roof replacement factors.

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

Clogged gutters and downspouts can result in costly damage.  Water overflow can damage your roof by seeping in where water shouldn't.  It will also cause ice to build up in the winter causing damage.  Water overflowing down the outside of your house can damage siding and paint.  Water that is not properly drained away from the home can cause basement flooding problems and even damage foundations.  Clogged gutters are heavy.  This will cause them to sag and come loose or fall off.  Debris sitting in gutters can attract unwanted pests, including ants and mosquitoes, and mildew.

Now prepare for the job.  You will need a garden trowel, kitchen utensil or homemade plastic scoop to get the debris out of the gutters.  Gloves are also recommended.  The you will need to decide how you want to collect the debris.  Some like to take a bucket or bag up the ladder with them, others prefer to drop it to the ground.  Using a tarp can make this method easier to clean up.  All are acceptable and come down to homeowner preference.  A sturdy ladder with either a ladder stabilizer or stand-off will protect the gutters from damage from the ladder.  A garden hose or power washer will clean up and unclog.

If you have gutter covers, you will need to remove those first.  Check the gutters for loose spike and repair or replace.  Check for holes or broken seals and re-caulk.  If your gutters are older and rust, clean off the rust, sand and repaint to minimize further problems.

Then begin to scoop out the debris and put it into your chosen disposal method.  Once the gutters are clean, check the downspout for clogs by spraying water down the spout with your hose.  If you find the water isn't coming out the bottom with equal amount or pressure you have a clog.  Pushing the hose into the spout or using a plumbers snake will usually unclog most problems.  With debris-free and unclogged downspouts, rinse the gutters by starting at the end furthest from the downspout and spraying water from the hose or power washer toward the downspout.  

Homeowners should clean their gutters and downspouts twice a year in the spring and fall.  If you are leery of climbing up to your roof, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaner.  The time or money spent will save you future hassle, damage and costly repairs.

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