Know Your Roofing Facts

Let’s face it: Not all roofers are the same.

With the recent aftermath of Hurricane Helene and all the roof damage in Columbia, Lexington, Gilbert (our office location), Newberry, Greenville and of course Western NC, now is the perfect time to help our followers understand some hard facts about the roofing industry in South Carolina and many other parts of the country.

Being locally owned and family operated for nearly 75 years, at Clyde Nettles Roofing we’ve seen the industry go through a lot of changes. Some of those changes were welcomed advancements in materials and installation, but some other changes have clouded the roofing industry with misconceptions that sometimes leave little guarantees for the customer paying for the roof work.

Let’s break down some of the basic roofing facts that everyone needs to know before you reach out to a roofing company (or one reaches out to you). Knowing these basic roofing facts will help you choose the company to work with, one that places your individual needs over company goals and profits.

1. Missing Shingles? You Don’t Always Need a New Roof

Roofing shingles are made to last for many years, especially some of the higher quality brands from companies like our preferred partners at Atlas Roofing. Especially if the roof was properly installed by a long-standing company like Clyde Nettles Roofing, with a reputation of standing behind their work. So if your roof is missing shingles after a terrible storm, it doesn’t always mean you need a new roof. Many times a simple repair will ensure your roofing system will last another 10+ years or more. However, many roofing companies place more importance on selling new roofs versus repairs – obviously they are more concerned about their own profits than their client’s individual needs.

2. No “Upfront” Payments

A long-standing, honest roofer will never ask for money upfront to work on your roof. Chances are, if they do ask for upfront payments, they are a fly-by-night company and do not have the funds to order your materials or pay the roofing crews without obtaining a deposit. Never pay these companies any amount upfront; especially considering many times your roofing damage may be covered under your home insurance policy.

3. All Estimates Are NOT the Same

Some roofers try to “beat out” competing roofers by presenting estimates that include cheaper materials or in some cases, do not even include the entire scope of work. For instance, one roofer may present you a much lower quote, but in very small, fine print at the bottom, it says you will be responsible for additional work/labor/materials for anything besides the basic re-roofing of the shingles. They sometimes present quotes like this knowing that additional facia work, underlayment plywood repairs or more may be needed.

At Clyde Nettles Roofing, we physically walk your roof and do a thorough inspection so our estimates include everything you need for roof repairs or a new roof. You do not get hit with any financial surprises after the job starts. Plus, we use higher grade materials like hot-dipped galvanized nails (to prevent rust and last much longer) so your roof last for many years to come with no issues.

4. Beware of Commission Salesmen & Door-knockers

 The simple truth is this: roofing companies typically make more profit on new roofs, and many salesmen are paid via commission (on the sale of new roofs). At Clyde Nettles Roofing, we have never paid our staff with commissions and we will never sell a roof you simply don’t need. Our #1 goal is to earn your trust and retain you as a life-long client for decades to come. Many newer roofing companies you see now won’t even be around in another 10 years.

Also – be extremely careful of the dreaded door-knockers. Many times, this is a completely different company that simply gets paid to do nothing but knock doors and lock you up in a contract! They are required to get a “signature” on a binding contract that will send out a roofing company to your home who then attempts to justify storm damage for a new roof. Once you sign the contract, you are legally bound to work with whatever roofing company pays the door-knockers to get your signature on the contract. Turn these door-knockers away and do some research to find a highly reputable, long-term roofing company who will stand behind their work for decades.

5. Roofers Need Insurance Too!

Roofers must have their own insurance policy that not only protects their employees – but it also protects your home. Ask for a copy of their insurance policy before they do any work. If they are not properly insured and damage your home, it would have to be covered on your own home insurance policy – which in turn would raise your rates and put you in danger of losing coverage.

We hope everyone in Gilbert, Lexington, Columbia and other areas of South Carolina are fully recovered from Hurricane Helene, and at Clyde Nettles Roofing, we’re glad to share these roofing facts with you so you can stay better protected from companies who aim to use natural disasters to make good company profits.

If your roof is older, or you think you may have storm damage or need roof repairs, contact Clyde Nettles Roofing today for a completely free inspection. One of our roofing experts will come out to physically walk your roof and let you know what you may need (or not need). They won’t be working for a commission, and their only goal is to earn your trust when it comes to your roofing needs.

With nearly 75 years of experience as South Carolina’s most trusted, locally owned roofing company, no one will do a better job of ensuring your roof is taken well care of. We stand behind every project 100%, and our reputation represents our commitment to quality.

Residential or commercial, if you have any roofing questions, reach out to us anytime!