Free Pittsburgh Roof Replacement Estimate

Roof Estimates You Can Believe In

The first aspect of any roofing job is making a plan. Whether you’re replacing or repairing an old roof, or installing a new one, this can be a big job. And while a quality roof can boost the overall value of your home and provide you with considerable protection for years to come, there’s no need to waste your money. 

The cost of a roofing job can vary widely depending on the contractor you use. However, one thing  that frustrates many consumers is receiving a quote and then finding out later the price is much more than originally stated. 

At Craig Gouker Roofing, this is not the case. Our experience, plus our use of state-of-the-art technology, means we can provide better estimates that you can believe in. 

Ready to get your roofing project started? Call today for a free estimate.

Why Get an Estimate on Your Roof?

If you’re in need of a new roof, then you might be wondering why you should even bother with this step. Why not just dive right in and get it over?

The issue with this is that costs and quality vary considerably. No two roofing contractors will provide you with the same quote, so it’s best to get a few and compare them. 

When you do get some estimates, it’s important to ask for details. A good quote will include itemized estimates of materials and labor costs, as well as any predicted expenses. Roofers should also provide you with a little bit of a buffer because unexpected things do happen from time to time. 

This line item is often referred to as “incidentals.” In a best case scenario, you wouldn’t have to pay for this, but it’s best to be prepared just in case. 

Any roofer who just gives you a round estimate, or who doesn’t account for incidentals, is not providing you with all the relevant information and is ultimately making it harder for you to make a decision. 

When to Get an Estimate on Your Roof

The answer to this is fairly simple: whenever you’re considering getting a new roof. If it’s a new construction, this should be part of your entire planning process. 

For those who already have roofs and are thinking about replacing, the two most common times to get roof estimates are:

Visible Damage

If there’s been a storm or something else and your roof has been compromised, or if you’ve noticed a leak or some other damage, then it’s a good idea to start considering replacing your roof and an estimate is the first thing you should do. 

When the damage was caused by an unpredictable event, there’s a chance the repairs or replacement might be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. If this is the case, then the very first thing you should do is file a claim with your insurance company. 

They will likely then send you to get an estimate, but it’s important to follow their procedures to make sure you get the funding you may need.  

Signs of Decay

Roofs break down over time. Today, if you use the right materials, your roof should last you around 50 years. However, materials from more than a decade ago weren’t as good and usually only last around 30. If you believe it’s been longer than this, then it’s a good idea to consider a replacement and get a roof estimate. 

Another thing you can do is look for signs of decay, which include: 

• Missing or cracked shingles
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Shingle or siding decay
• Stains on interior walls or ceilings
• High energy bills
• Curled shingle edges

These issues usually pop up as a roof nears the end of its life, so if you see them, get in touch with a roofing contractor for an estimate on repairs and a potential replacement.

Roof Estimates vs. Roof Inspections vs. Roof Certifications

One thing that often confuses people is the difference between roof estimates, roof inspections, and roof certifications. While similar, and at Craig Gouker Roofing, we do all three. But here’s a bit more about the differences between these three services:  

Roof Estimates

A roof estimate is done when there is work expected to be done. The estimator is looking at your roof with an eye on a future project, and will make recommendations based on this. 

Roof Inspections

A roof inspection is its own service. During an inspection, a roofer will look more closely at the structural integrity of your roof, getting on top of it to see how the frame and the outer material is holding up from wear and tear. They will also go into your home to inspect the roof from the inside, usually to make sure there are no leaks. 

Roof inspections should be done every couple of years, or if there has been some event, such as a storm, that has led you to suspect there might be damage.

Roof Certifications

A roof certification is when a roofer comes to provide you with an estimate of the lifetime of a roof. It includes some elements of a roof estimate, but it’s more concerned with letting you know when you might need to replace your roof. In most cases, this is done when buying a home, as this is an important piece of information to have before closing. 

Roof Estimates from Craig Gouker Roofing

While you should always get a few estimates while planning a roofing project, here’s a few reasons why ours are better:

State of the Art Technology

When we come out to do a roof estimate, we don’t just eyeball it. Instead, we use 3D aerial mapping technology that allows us to more accurately measure and map your roof, taking into account its slopes and unique design features. 

This allows us to better understand the work involved and also more accurately estimate materials cost, all of which leads to an estimate that is much more aligned with the actual cost of the project. In other words, fewer if any surprises down the road.

Experienced Roofers

All of our roof estimates are done by one of our experienced roofers. We’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and so we know what to do and what to expect. All of this experience allows us to be more accurate and realistic about what to expect from your upcoming job, which, once again, leads to fewer surprises down the road.

Detailed Estimates

The estimates we provide are not just round numbers. Instead, they include all the details of the expected project. This allows you to see exactly where your money will go and why. 

When we give you an estimate, we will also sit down with you and explain each item, as well as answer any questions, so that you are fully aware of everything involved and can make decisions accordingly. 

Call Today for Your Free Estimate

Have a roofing project you want to get off the ground? Craig Gouker Roofing is standing by. Give us a call today so we can get started on your free estimate.