Category: Roof Maintenance

The Importance of Roof Cleaning

William Romaine Roof Maintenance , , , ,
The Importance of Roof Cleaning

Many homeowners choose to have their roofs cleaned by professionals like Roof Cleaning MT Pleasant. This process removes physical debris from the surface of a roof, including branches, leaves, and needles, and it also reveals soft spots that indicate structural damage.

When dirt, moss, lichen, and other debris build up on the roof of your home, it can cause serious damage to the structure. This can include leaks, mildew, mold, and rot. In addition, a dirty roof will attract bugs and other unwelcome guests to the house. These pests can also damage the shingles and make them more likely to fall off. It’s important to have your roof cleaned regularly to prevent this from happening.

When you hire a professional roof cleaning service, they’ll use gentle methods to clean the surface of your roof without damaging it. This method is called soft washing, and it uses mild chemicals that are safe for plants, animals, and humans. The cleaners are applied with low pressure, so they won’t disturb the surrounding environment or damage your roof. This method will also help prevent water runoff from causing problems in the surrounding area.

One of the best things about this cleaner is that it contains no chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage your home’s exterior surfaces, including the paint on your shutters and window frames. It can also leave behind a strong chemical smell that can offend your family and neighbors. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative, consider hiring a company that uses natural or green cleaning products.

Green cleaning products are designed to be effective on various materials, including roofing. Many are made from biodegradable ingredients, such as alcohol ethoxylate and sodium citrate. Some of these cleansers are even formulated to be safe for kids and pets. The eco-friendly cleaners will also work effectively on various surfaces, including concrete and brick.

A professional roof cleaning company will use a blend of surfactants to remove mildew, mold, and other stains from the exterior of your home. They’ll also rinse down the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of any debris. This will help to prevent clogged gutters that can lead to rot and water damage.

Many roof cleaning companies use harsh chemicals to remove moss and mildew from asphalt shingles. These chemicals are not only a danger to your health, but they can also damage your home’s roofing material. They can also contaminate nearby plants and animals. This is why it is important to hire a professional who understands the proper use of these chemicals and can protect your property.

Most roof cleaning products contain harmful bleach-like substances. These chemicals break down the organic compounds responsible for staining and odors. However, they can also corrode metal flashing and underlayments. Additionally, they can cause respiratory problems in children and older people.

Some companies offer a “soft wash” or low-pressure chemical cleaning service to reduce the risk of damaging your roof. They spray their cleaning solution onto the roof and let it dwell to break down the organic compounds. Then, they rinse the chemicals off with water. However, there are more safe alternatives to conventional pressure washing.

If you’re thinking about hiring a professional to clean your roof, be sure to ask about their credentials and training. Those who do not have experience and have yet to go through formal training are more likely to damage your roof or use the wrong chemicals. It’s also important to check their insurance coverage to protect you if something goes wrong during the process.

While some contractors claim to offer soft washing, they often do not. They may use sodium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite, which are dangerous to humans and pets. They might also spray their chemicals on your yard, lawn, and surrounding vegetation, which could damage or kill them.

The truth is that most roof cleaning chemicals are not safe for pets or children. They can even be fatal if ingested. Some are extremely toxic to people and animals, while others can irritate the eyes, skin, respiratory system, and lungs.

The best way to avoid these harmful chemicals is to hire a professional who uses environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. A reputable company will ensure that their chemicals are not harming the surrounding plants and will not leave any chemical residue on your home’s siding or other surfaces. They will also ensure that their equipment is safe for the environment and that plants and shrubs are covered during and after their cleaning process.

Cleaning your roof is a task that requires special safety measures. You must wear protective eyewear, work gloves, and a hard hat. This will prevent any injuries caused by falling objects or debris. Additionally, you should ensure that the ladder is secure and that you have a safe path to exit the roof. It would be best to use a ladder with a slanted side to avoid slipping.

In the soft wash process, technicians use a mild surfactant to loosen up dirt and debris that has built up on a roof. Then, they rinse it off with water at low pressure. This method is very effective in removing moss, mildew, and other debris. It can be used on composition, asphalt shingles, clay tile, and other roofing materials. It is also nontoxic and environmentally friendly.

This method is safer than traditional power washing because it uses lower pressure levels and does not damage the roof’s surface. It is also less invasive and more cost-effective than the conventional pressure washing method. However, it is still not recommended for flat or shingle roofs because it can cause damage to the structure of the roof.

During the cleaning process, it is important to wear protective goggles and heavy rubber gloves. These will protect your eyes and hands from the chemicals and prevent stains. In addition, you should also tie garbage bags to all downspouts and gutters to avoid the corrosive cleaning solution from entering the gutters.

While roof washing is a necessary and important part of a home’s maintenance, it can be dangerous for those unfamiliar. Thousands of people die or become paralyzed every year from falls from one-story roofs, so it’s crucial to take all the necessary precautions.

A roof should be cleaned as often as possible to remove moss, mildew, and algae stains. In addition to reducing the risk of leaking, it can reduce the energy needed to cool the house. Additionally, the removal of these substances will help to improve your roof’s insulation.

If you want your home’s roof to look new and retain its value, you may have to pay extra for professional roof cleaning. A cleaning company’s costs will vary depending on the type of roof and how dirty it is. They also use different cleaning methods. Some clean the entire surface, while others target specific areas of your home. Some companies will even apply preventive treatments for moss and algae growth. The cost of these additional services can add up to hundreds of dollars.

Basic roof cleaning involves applying a high-pressure water spray to the dirt, mildew, and other debris to wash it away. This method is relatively inexpensive and nontoxic, but it can damage shingles or other roofing materials and void your warranty. A more expensive option is soft washing, which uses low-pressure sprays at a lower psi setting. It also uses cleaning solutions that are safe for landscaping and pets.

Another option is a chemical wash, which uses strong chemicals such as lye or sodium hydroxide to kill lichens and other microorganisms on the roof. This method is effective, but it can damage weak tiles. It is also more likely to cause stains on the surrounding surfaces, such as driveways and sidewalks.

In addition to the cleaning solution, the company may use a special blower to remove any debris and leaves that have settled on the roof. This service can add up to $100 for a small house or $250 for a large house with a steeper roof. If the roof has stains, they can also apply a stain-blocking treatment to reduce future buildup.

The company will also clean the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are not blocked by moss or other debris. Keeping the gutters clear lengthens their lifespan and increases the appeal of the home, which could help increase its value when you’re ready to sell it. If moss is a problem, the cleaner may also install zinc strips, which interact with rainwater to release zinc carbonate and keep moss from growing. These strips can cost $25 per roll and are included in some basic cleanings.

Roofing Maintenance Essentials

Jerry Bridges Roof Maintenance , , , ,
Roofing Maintenance Essentials
roofer

Many homeowners forget about their roof until it needs major repair. Maintenance from Roofer Newark DE is crucial to keeping your home safe and looking great. Aim for biannual inspections and preventative maintenance to catch any problems before they cause major damage.

For example, moss growth on the surface of a roof can be unsightly and cause water damage. Trimming trees and removing limbs over the house can also help protect the roof from squirrels and other critters looking for entry points into the home.

Check the Soffit and Fascia

Soffits and fascia are an important part of roof construction, but they’re often neglected unless something goes wrong with the roof. This is a shame, as these boards are designed to protect the home from water damage, and they can be quite beautiful, too. A well-maintained soffit and fascia board can add to the overall beauty of your house, so it’s worth taking the time to inspect them regularly.

Once a homeowner notices that the fascia or soffit is deteriorating, it’s important to act quickly to get them repaired. This will help prevent the moisture buildup that can cause rot and other issues, and it will also help ensure that the gutters and downspouts can do their job properly.

The soffit is a structure that sits beneath the roof eaves and provides ventilation for the attic space. It can be made from wood, aluminum or PVC. It’s important to keep in mind that the soffit can be easily damaged by pests, so it’s a good idea to check for insect or rodent nests every now and then.

When a homeowner neglects to check the soffit for pests, it can lead to water damage and other issues. This can include mold growth, which can affect the health of a family. It’s also a good idea to periodically clean the soffit, especially in areas that tend to collect dirt and dust.

A soffit is an essential part of the roof, and it can be found in most homes. It is a piece of lumber that’s installed underneath the shingles and connects to the edge of the roof. It is important to look for rotting or other signs of deterioration, and it’s also a good idea to have the soffit and fascia checked for leaks. If they’re leaking, it’s best to have the repairs done by a professional to avoid further problems.

Check the Flashing

If your roof has chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, or dormers, the flashing is a key element that helps prevent water damage. It is a thin sheet of metal that wraps around these features to direct water away from the areas where shingles are vulnerable. The flashing is made from copper, steel, or aluminum, but it should always be sealed with a good-quality caulking.

When a leak occurs near these areas, it can cause serious damage that extends well beyond the roof. It can affect the structure of your home, causing rot in walls and ceilings and even weakening beams. In addition, it can cause mold and mildew to grow in the attic and other rooms of your home. If you have a leaky roof, it is critical to have the flashing repaired immediately to avoid extensive water damage.

The most common signs of flashing damage are water stains in your attic or on the ceilings of rooms in your home, a visible gap between the roofing and the wall, or cracks in the flashing. You should also look for any dents or bends in the flashing, as well as signs of corrosion or rust on the metal.

A professional should always inspect the flashing, as it is difficult to repair yourself. Since the flashing is usually installed under a layer of shingles, it can be difficult to get access to. A professional can inspect the flashing and make any necessary repairs before a leak causes major problems in your home.

Another thing that a roofer should check is the condition of the flashing around chimneys, vents, dormers, and other features on your roof. The flashing is usually made of two different pieces, step and counter flashing. The step flashing is an L-shaped piece of metal that is placed under the shingles and along the chimney, while the counter flashing is set into a groove that is cut into the chimney bricks. The counter flashing is then caulked to the step flashing to create a seal. The counter flashing should be checked for rust and corrosion, as well as any gaps or holes that need to be repaired.

Trim Tree Branches

Trees are lovely additions to any yard, but they must be regularly trimmed or they can cause damage to your roof. Branches that hang over your house can scrape the siding, retain moisture and promote mold growth, and allow pests and animals to invade the interior of your home. Tree limbs that are too close to your roof can also damage the structure of the roof itself, leading to leaks. In some cases, trees need to be removed completely if they are unstable or dead.

You should hire a professional to trim the branches and limbs around your house. In some cases, a residential tree trimming company can perform this service, but in others, you may need to hire a landscaper or gardener who is experienced with working on and trimming trees. In unique circumstances, an arborist may need to be consulted as well.

Whenever you are pruning tree limbs, it is important to make the cut on the outside of what is called the branch collar. This is the swollen area that sticks out from the trunk and has rougher bark. If you cut inside the collar, it will not heal properly and can lead to rot later on. Instead, you need to find a spot on the underside of the limb that is several inches out from the collar, and cut into it there. Then, move up to the top of the limb and cut several inches farther out again, until it breaks off on its own.

Before cutting any limbs, you should always check with local city bylaws and your arborist to ensure that it is okay to do so. In some areas, certain types of trees are protected and cannot be trimmed, while in others, it is illegal to remove any limb that is within a specific radius of power lines. In any event, a professional will be able to help you safely and effectively prune your trees and keep them clear of your roof.

Inspect the Gutters

Gutter systems are designed to channel water away from the roof. They can also protect siding, foundations and other areas of a home from water damage. But they can only do this if they’re free of debris and functioning properly. And that’s why it’s important to inspect gutters regularly, especially following a severe storm.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, it’s essential to have your building’s gutter system inspected for damage and in need of repairs on a regular basis. The best time to do this is during the spring, just after a harsh winter but before the summer rains start.

In addition to checking for the common problems like clogs and sagging, it’s important to pay special attention to the downspouts. Downspouts can get clogged by leaves, moss or even animals’ nests. If this is the case, they may be unable to properly channel water and may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Downspouts should be placed so that they are at least 4 to 6 feet away from a house’s foundation. This helps to prevent oversaturation of soil around the foundation and minimizes moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces. Additionally, it’s important to check for any leaks in the gutters themselves or a downspout that’s leaking at the seams of two sections.

When performing an inspection of the gutters, make sure you’re not too high up and are using a ladder that isn’t leaning on any gutters or other parts of your building. It’s also a good idea to bring binoculars for better visibility as well as a ladder leveler to ensure the most accurate assessment of your gutters’ condition.

These inspections are the most effective for identifying potential problems before they cause major structural damage or rot to your home or building. By adding these roof and gutter inspections to your maintenance program, you can be sure your roofing and gutter system are functioning the way they should and protecting your investment. In addition, you can also feel confident that any issues found are addressed promptly and professionally.

The Importance of Roof Replacement

Lyle Hatfield Roof Maintenance , , , ,
The Importance of Roof Replacement

Roofs aren’t just shingles; they’re a complex system with many parts that work together to keep your home dry and warm. When your roof starts to wear down, it’s time to replace it. Getting this done right will make your house last longer and save you money in the long run.

Roofing

Roof Replacement can help you determine the best materials for your home. They should be knowledgeable about the different types of roofing and their advantages and disadvantages. This will save you time and frustration.

Roof vents are vital to the function of your roof, providing a balance between air exhaust and intake. They also help to keep your home cooler and less prone to heat damage. However, over time they can suffer from problems that cause them to leak. The leaking can happen anywhere along the vent pipe or in the seals around them.

If the leaking isn’t caught soon enough, it can spread into your home and cause extensive damage. This can include dripping water and mold growth. Cracked vents are a common problem, especially on older homes. These are typically the result of mistakes when removing or replacing roof caps.

A tiny hole in a roof can lead to rot, water damage and other serious issues. It can also be a hazard to your health and your family’s wellbeing, especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions. If you find a small hole in your roof, you should act quickly to get it repaired before the problem gets worse. The best way to fix a small hole is to fill it with silicone caulk or roofing cement.

Using spray foam is another option. This liquid expands and hardens when it dries to a rubbery, waterproof seal that protects against moisture and rain. Besides sealing a hole, it can also be used to protect your home against animals and other hazards. Animals can tear shingles, chew wires and nest in ceiling insulation if they can get inside through a tiny hole.

Chimneys are built to look good, but they’re also complicated structures with many parts. This can lead to a variety of issues when they fail, and it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible. One of the most common issues we find in chimneys is a problem with their “crown” (that top layer that seals the flue). Crown problems are more common in larger chimneys, but even small ones can experience this issue.

The crown of the chimney is made of cement or concrete, and it serves as a cover to keep rain from seeping into the flue. It’s also important for preventing water backup. When a chimney’s crown fails, it can cause damage to the entire masonry structure, including the flue. This can be costly to repair, so it’s often best to replace the chimney entirely if the crown is broken or cracked. However, if the break isn’t too bad, it’s often possible to seal and mortar it.

Those who have done a little research into the roofing business will know that the best way to prevent leaks from occurring is to install a proper seal around vents, pipes and chimneys. The most common type of seal is tar. This is a durable and effective sealing material, but it is not the cheapest solution.

Rather than use the old fashioned method of applying tar to your roof, consider a more modern approach to roof repair. A professional roofing contractor will have the right tools to make your roof look as good as new in no time. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof with a new shingle or tile system. This is particularly true of slate roofs, which require delicate and careful installation to ensure longevity. In any event, a replacement will be the smartest decision you can make for your home and family. If you are concerned about the cost of a roof replacement, speak to your insurance agent about coverage and your options.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Traditionally, asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing used in residential homes across the United States. That being said, this doesn’t mean that asphalt is the perfect roofing material—it comes with several upsides, but asphalt shingles carry a number of downsides, as well. Therefore, before deciding whether or not you would like to install an asphalt roof, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of this popular material.

Different roofing materials will suit different homes, and there is no one true “perfect” option. No matter who you are, however, it’s essential to ensure the strength and durability of your roof—without this protection, your home could suffer serious damage, such as water damage or flooding. If your roof needs constant repair, not only will this compromise the safety of your home, but it is also an expensive problem to deal with. To avoid these issues, it’s a good idea to have the best possible roofing material installed in the first place.

Could asphalt shingles be the ideal roofing material for you?

What are asphalt shingles?

The base of an asphalt shingle is constructed of either an organic material or fiberglass. This base is saturated in asphalt before it is covered in even more asphalt, either on a single side or both sides. Finally, the top of the shingle is coated in a mixture of schist, mica, slate, quartz, stone, or ceramic. The back is instead covered in talc, sand, or mica. This helps prevent the individual shingles from getting stuck together.

Although there are numerous types of asphalt shingles to choose from, the most common is known as “three-tab” shingling. This name is a reference to how the shingle is cut and how it is installed.  Shingles are stylistically versatile and come in a fair variety of colors, shapes, and styles.

The pros of asphalt shingling


Owens Corning

Let’s begin by discussing the positives of asphalt shingles, which may make them a superior option to other roofing materials.

Asphalt is quite inexpensive to install
This is possibly one of the upsides that most commonly leads homeowners to install asphalt shingles.

In terms of installation cost, asphalt is considerably more affordable than other popular materials. If you’re on a budget but urgently need a new roof, then asphalt shingles are likely the pick for you.Shingles do provide curb appeal
Of course, functionality isn’t the only variable you’re probably considering as you decide upon a roofing material. Most homeowners also care about the appearance or curb appeal of their property, and the roof you select can have a powerful impact. In addition, if you ever plan on selling your home, then its appearance becomes even more critical—curb appeal is a vital factor in determining the overall value of a property.Asphalt shingles are a reasonably flexible option
This means you can likely find shingles that perfectly suit the aesthetics, style, and color scheme of your home. In addition, you can find shingles in an array of styles, including (but not limited to) three-tab, laminated, and even premium varieties. In any case, it isn’t hard to install shingles that look perfectly in place on top of your home.Installing asphalt shingles is quick and easy
Not only is installation cheap, but it’s also a quick process to have asphalt shingles installed—and considering how much stress a roofing replacement can add to your day-to-day life, this can be desirable.

Most notably, asphalt shingles are easy to cut and lighter than many other roofing materials. This means that the roofing team won’t need to perform much prep work before they can install your new roof. There also isn’t any requirement for special tools or equipment. Not only do these variables make the installation process faster and simpler, but they also contribute to the lower cost of installing asphalt shingles.You can easily replace asphalt shingles
Although needing to re-install your roof isn’t desirable, it might still be a necessity in the future. As such, it’s a possibility that you should account for if you’d like to save your future self a headache.

Replacing shingles doesn’t even need to entail replacing your entire roof. It’s possible to replace a single shingle at a time if they become damaged without needing to tear out the roof and start from scratch.

The quick and simple installation process supports this ease of replacement.

The cons of asphalt shingling

Although there are numerous positives to installing an asphalt roof, there are also some disadvantages worth considering. In addition, certain downsides may impact certain individuals more than others—for instance, the weather conditions where you live could make some cons more detrimental.

Shingles are more susceptible to wind damage
If you live in a region with frequent high winds, asphalt shingles may not be the most practical material for you. Although this is mainly applicable to cheaper varieties of asphalt shingles, they tend to be more vulnerable to uplift.

Strong winds can cause individual shingles to detach from your roof, which in turn makes your roof more susceptible to developing leaks. A leaky roof is a big problem—leaks can lead to a variety of serious issues, including mold and severe water damage. In addition, much of the damage caused by leaks will require pricey repairs, especially if they go unnoticed and are left to worsen over time.Asphalt can crack
Asphalt shingles are a light roofing material, as was mentioned earlier. While this leads to several perks, it can also cause problems for your roof in other areas. Notably, asphalt is light enough that it is more vulnerable to cracking compared to other roofing materials.

If your shingles are exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature, then cracks are even more likely to begin forming. These fluctuations can lead to your shingles expanding and contracting, which eventually could cause cracks in the material. However, high temperatures can also promote the cracking of asphalt shingles, even without fluctuation.

So, if you reside in an area with extreme temperatures, make sure to take the possibility of cracking into account.Shingles shouldn’t be installed in cold weather
Generally speaking, it’s recommended that homeowners install asphalt shingles when the weather is warm. However, this can be seen as inconvenient as it restricts the times of the year when shingles can be installed. If you need an urgent roof replacement in the dead of winter, asphalt shingles might not be the most appropriate material.

This is especially true if the temperature outside is below freezing. These cold temperatures can cause the shingles to become damaged as they are being installed. As the temperature warms back up, this can also cause the shingles to become misaligned or be knocked out of place due to the resulting expansion.Shingles don’t look unique

Although shingles can look nice and have the ability to support the curb appeal of your property, they’re not necessarily the most distinctive option.

Other roofing materials, such as metal, tend to be better known for their extreme level of customizability. Although it’s easy to find asphalt shingles that fit the style and color of most homes, it’s going to be challenging to step outside the box.

If you’re hoping to make your home stand out from the rest on your block, then asphalt shingles aren’t the most effective way to accomplish that.Asphalt shingles don’t have the highest longevity
Are you hoping to install your new roof and then never have to go through the process again? If so, then keep the low longevity of asphalt shingles in mind before choosing this material.

Asphalt shingles are lighter and cheaper than other roofing materials, but this also means that they’re more likely to become damaged or wear down over time. Typically, you can expect properly installed shingles to last for up to 20 years before they need to be replaced. This can be compared to the longevity of metal roofing, for instance—that material can last for up to 70 years if it’s correctly installed.

Other types of asphalt shingles

Fortunately, if you enjoy the appearance of shingles on your home, there are options other than traditional asphalt shingling. Fiberglass asphalt and polymer modified asphalt are popular alternatives.

These other types of asphalt tend to be more durable than the traditional variety and are considerably more resistant to weather. Polymer-modified asphalt, in particular, is an excellent pick if you live in an area with frequent extreme weather conditions. Whether you’re faced with wind, hail, or heavy rain, polymer-modified asphalt is better able to hold up than traditional asphalt shingles.

Contact Able Roof Today

Do you believe that asphalt shingles are the roofing material for you—more specifically, fiberglass asphalt or polymer-modified asphalt shingles? If you’re in Central Ohio, then be sure to reach out to Able Roof. Our expert roofers can quickly and efficiently install your brand-new shingles in such a way that maximizes their longevity. Or, you can look into our other roofing options instead.

Able Roof even offers free estimates through our website.

The post Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles appeared first on Able Roof.

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How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly

Everyone loves the warm glow of Christmas lights in the dark months of the year. However, setting them up correctly can be a daunting task if you don’t approach it with a plan. To make things easier, we’re sharing some tips for setting up your yuletide display for success.

Plan your design and make your budget

When you are starting a project like this, it’s an excellent first step to establish a budget. You want to make sure that your joyous display is something that’s going to continue to spark joy, not something that you finished over your estimate. Going in, knowing your number is going to make sure that you’re happy with your result.

As you’re looking around your property, you’re going to want to know how much a given area will need. A good rule of thumb is that you’ll need 100 lights for every 1.5 feet of tree or shrub that you’re hanging, and you can use a similar figure for covering 1.5 square feet of roof or siding. This will help you get your head around how much design you have to play within your budget.

Where are you going to place your lights?

When you’re placing your Christmas lights, you want to start by establishing a few features of your house or property that are going to be focal points of your design. Many houses are asymmetrical or weighted more heavily on one side or the other, which is frequently offset by the architect with architectural or landscape features, but the asymmetry may look awkward if you just light up everything.

Good places for focal points tend to be windows, large trees, door frames, pillars, posts, and the eaves but try to pick only one or two to focus around and leave the other areas less fully populated to emphasize the places where you’ve put in the work. Window boxes and planters that you already have are also usually instinctively placed around these areas and can be lit up to accent the features they’re near. If you’re hanging and you feel like something’s off-balance, don’t be afraid to subtract lights from the side that feels too heavy. Taking away something is free, but adding more things can be a lot of work while only making the problem worse.

Carefully choose the lights you plan to hang

Your power supply and the type of lights you choose can also determine how much lighting you can afford in your design. For example, a lot of people favor incandescent bulbs for their warm glow. However, these lights tend to overheat if left on for an extended time, and you are only likely to be able to attach three to six light strands per outlet, which means that you have to be more strategic in your placement and more attentive to when you turn them off.

If you are looking to be more ambitious with your lighting designs, it’s likely that you’ll want to go with LED string lights, which can fit up to 25 strands per outlet on most standard circuits. They also don’t overheat as much and are much more energy efficient. However, regardless of which type you choose, you want to make sure to buy all your lights in a single type or color at a time as year-to-year variations in manufacture can lead to mismatched lights, which will make your display less peaceful.

For expanding beyond your initial wiring system, there are weatherproof battery-powered light packs of both varieties. However, these need frequent maintenance, and you’ll want to make sure you have backup rechargeable batteries on hand to keep those lights running night in and night out. Otherwise, a significant portion of your carefully plotted design could go down.

Numerous lighting styles are available

For different effects, you may want to pick different sizes of lights. The largest lights are C9 Christmas lights (1¼ inches diameter and 2½ inches tall), while smaller ones are available down to C7 (¾ inch diameter and 1⅛ inches tall). Of course, a bigger light will provide brighter output and fill more space, so plan for the size of your light as you’re considering applications.

For roof lines, overhangs, and peaks, there are some styles that you might consider as an accent instead of a simple outline. For example, icicle and raindrop lights hang down in chains from a single line that attaches to the gutter or the drip edge and give a nice cascade effect in these areas.

It’s also worth considering whether you want to have twinkling or stationary lights. With programmable lights, the motion of light displays can get quite intricate. However, some people find these effects to be overwhelming. So be judicious about using them and consider exactly how much of your house or tree you want to be dancing. Done right, it can be lovely, while done wrong, it can be a bit much.

Don’t forget to gather all the tools you’ll need

Once you’ve got your design in place, you want to double check that you have the appropriate tools for the job. One of the first things you need to check is that all of your extension cords and lights are UL rated for outdoor use. If a light display isn’t safe, it will not be very effective at bringing peace and joy.

You’re also going to be working upon an elevated surface, so in addition to making sure that your extension ladder is in good repair, you’re also going to want to invest in a tool belt or over-the-shoulder bag. This ensures that your hands can remain free while climbing. You’ll also want your sturdiest and best traction shoes to make sure you stay ON the roof.

In your kit, you should avoid nails or staples whenever possible at all, instead of opting for plastic clips. There are a few different kinds of plastic clips which attach to the edge of shingles without going under or to the dripline or gutter.  Some of these clips combine simple hooks or latching hooks, and there are specific roof peak clips that attach to the side of the shingle while sitting on top of it. These will make removal easy come spring and prevent you from punching holes in the roof. Clips are generally sized to go with the size of your bulbs, so make sure you know whether you’re using C7 or C9 clips.

For vertical spaces like windows, columns, or the side of your house, there are adhesive clips that stick to the surface and allow you to hang lights vertically up the side of the building. These are great as for many applications. You can put them up without even getting on a ladder, and they let you adorn otherwise unavailable spaces.

Last, it’s very smart to invest in app-controlled smart plugs or timer plugs that will save on your electricity bill and prevent you from leaving them on. If you’re using a smart plug, make sure your internet is secured, as you don’t want to find out if you have a mischief-maker in the neighborhood.

Check roof condition and the weather forecast

When you’re ready to head up there, the first thing you absolutely need to check is what the weather is going to be. You should never work on a roof when it’s wet or uncleared, and you should plan to be up there for a few good hours, so check the weather report and look around at the clouds.

Get someone to help you

You have to have someone with you to hold your extension ladder as you head up after you’ve secured and leveled it. People hurt themselves every year by not asking someone to just do this one small thing, but you don’t have to be one of them.

Line up your lights

Untangle your lights on the ground, not up on the roof, and take the time to inspect and test each line. You’re going to be much better equipped to fix any problems with the lines and detect any fraying, loose bulbs, or damage when you’re not also trying to stay up on the roof. Once they’re untangled, carefully coil and pack them so that they come out of the bag or off the shoulder cleanly.

Clips need to go on first

As most people are rarely on their roof, you want to take the time to set up your clips first and make sure that you’re setting the shingles back correctly with no gaps underneath. Then, after that’s all set, you can return to string the lights knowing that you did the first job correctly.

Now that you have your lights all fixed up, you can enjoy their glow all season long, knowing that you’ve set yourself up for success and that come spring packing the kit away won’t be a huge problem. Of course, it’s also worth taking time to inspect your lines when they come down and to stow them away as untangled as you can get them.

The post How to Hang Christmas Lights Correctly appeared first on Mr Roof.

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

When researching new roofing options, discerning home-owners should consider more than just the price. We’ve made it easy by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of having a metal roof, so you know exactly how far your dollar will stretch!


Metal panel roofs give a sleek and classic look all at once while being one of the most reliable roofing systems possible. Odds are that if you’re reading this, your roof is due for an upgrade and you’re considering metal! Let us help you kickstart your research with our breakdown of pros and cons of a metal roof.



dvantages of Metal Roofing

Metal panels are highly durable. Metal roofs are tremendously wind and weather resistant, so this eliminates the stress of losing a few tiles or shingles during a storm.Metal roof systems have a high capability for fire safety. A metal roof won’t ignite or feed a flame like some traditional roofing materials.Metal roofs reflect light, which means lower energy use for you. A roof that reflects sunlight works hard to keep your home cool in summer months, so you may see a drop in energy costs!Metal roofs are one of the most long-lasting roof systems available. An expertly installed metal roof can last 40-70 years with minimal need for maintenance!Metal is very customizable to suit your ideal look for any home. There are a range of specialty metals to choose from (i.e. copper, zinc, aluminum, etc.) along with paint colors and finishes.Metal roofs are erosion-resistant, which is particularly important for coastal climates. Irritants like saltwater and sand in tropical climates can erode traditional roofing materials like shingles much faster than roofs in a dry climate.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofing

Metal panels are an expensive material, and hiring a roofer to install with the proper training and resources comes at a cost, as well.A metal roof can be noisy during storm events if not insulated well. If you are installing metal on your home in a climate that experiences storms more often, you should consider your insulation options to prepare for the investment.Improper installation can cause problems and financial burden in the long run with aspects like expansion and contraction in metal panels. Extra care should be taken when researching experienced roofers to install this roof system.

It’s true that there are more advantages than disadvantages to metal roofing, but every home and home owner’s need are unique. If you still have questions about how metal stacks up with other roofing options for your home, contact or team by clicking below!

Need more detailed help? Our Home Exteriors by Baker team serves homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee and are ready to answer your questions!

Click here to request a quote.

By Shelby Zeuli

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

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A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather

As the weather gets colder and we move toward huddling up inside for a few months, we have an opportunity to inspect our houses and make sure that our family stays happy, healthy, and well throughout the cold months. There’s a lot to do, but we have time to do it if we put our minds to it. So, in these last dry days, when it’s still easy to jaunt around outside the house, it’s a good idea to inspect every inch of the place so that if something’s wrong, you find it when it’s easy to fix.

Electrical and heating—consider energy audit now

Before we enter the coldest months, you should consider an energy audit while you can still get it done. You’re about to use a lot of energy to keep your house warm, and having someone come by to help you minimize that is not a bad idea.

During an audit, you can also check your heating and air conditioning systems for function and leaking and flip your filters so that you know everything is in order to keep you warm and toasty. There is nothing worse than finding out that your furnace is broken on the first morning that’s cold enough for you to want it. 

Make sure your chimney is clean

You’re also about to use your chimney for the first time in months, so you should make sure it’s clean and order firewood because it’ll be harder to get in the midst of winter.

The change of the seasons is also time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only is it good to regularly check them, but you’re also going to be burning a lot more material this season if you have a fireplace or woodstove.

Check the outside of the house next

Outdoors you want to go around your house and check your paint, caulk, and the seals on your exterior wood, as it’s all about to be much wetter for a few months. If you see anything that’s crumbling or gapping, just scrape off that paint or caulk and apply fresh.

You should also check your decks, concrete, or asphalt on your patio, driveway, or walkway. You have time now to seal it and let it cure, but waiting till later will have an entire season of damage with minimal opportunity to fix it. Just apply some water to the surfaces and see if it soaks in. If it does, it’s time to reseal them.

Your drains in your gutters and your foundation also need some care. Any pooling or settling around your foundation can be filled with soil before the spring floods. Check the downspouts to make sure they point away from the foundation. Gutters should be securely fastened and freely draining as they’re about to get burdened with snow, and that could bring them right down.

Any sad-looking trees around your house should also be cut down before they get loaded with snow and come down on their own. Getting a tree removed in the fall is much easier than trying to drag it out in the dead of winter. It’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve wherever you can. Might even get some firewood out of it!

Stow your stuff

Last, make sure that your outside amenities are all properly treated for the season. For example, all of your outdoor faucets, sprinkler systems, or pools should be drained and turned off to make sure that they don’t freeze and burst on the first big one.

Your lawn care equipment that uses gas will be happier in the spring if you drain the gas out of them. Similarly, you might consider testing the snowblower and filling it up before you need it on a cold morning. At the very least, you should bring your snow shovels out into an easily accessible place.

When you find you haven’t been out on the patio for a week or so, you should cover the furniture to prevent damage from the snow and leaves over the winter. Of course, it doesn’t all have to come inside, but you can save yourself some heartache come spring just by giving it a nice cover-up layer.

Enjoy your holidays

Now that that’s all done, you can settle into the holidays with a massive weight off your mind and a feeling of peace in your heart. Of course, every season, there is a list of things to do to prepare, but once it’s done, you can truly relax and let your home be a place of peace rather than a place of concern.

The post A Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather appeared first on Mr Roof.

The Best Materials for Your Roof

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
The Best Materials for Your Roof

Realizing that you need a new roof can be overwhelming, especially considering the many variables you’ll need to account for. But, of course, one of the most important of these variables is the material you use for your new roof.

If you have already gotten started on research, then you’ve probably realized just how many options there are when it comes to roofing materials. However, some of these materials offer more than others—for instance, certain materials are less durable than others, meaning you’ll need to deal with frequent repairs. You might even need to replace your roof yet again within the next several years. This is an avoidable situation, as long as you choose suitable material (and become familiar with the unique maintenance it requires).

To help you get started, here are examples of solid roofing contenders. Each of these suggestions is a sturdy, durable pick so that your new roof will last for many years to come. 

Metal roofing

Over the years, metal roofing has become increasingly common, even among homeowners. And this certainly isn’t for no reason—metal roofing offers a host of benefits, making it one of the best materials available.

Durability and longevity

One of the biggest perks of having a metal roof installed is its durability. Compared to many other roofs, metal roofing tends to last the longest while experiencing the most infrequent damage. In fact, the maintenance required behind a metal roof is minimal, especially compared to other types of roofing.

Assuming that a metal roof is installed correctly by experts, it should last the homeowner anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Some varieties of metal roofing, such as copper, can last even longer. Nevertheless, even your standard metal roof will outlive many other materials.

If you live in a location with extreme weather conditions, a metal roof could be one of your best options. These roofs are highly resistant to the elements, including strong winds—even wind gusts as strong as 140 miles per hour. In addition, while other materials could suffer due to extreme weather, a metal roof is less likely to rust or crack. This is thanks, in part, to the material’s rust proof coating.

Eco-friendliness

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and live a more environmentally friendly life, then it’s worth considering a metal roof. Unfortunately, some more common roofing materials (like traditional asphalt shingles) are petroleum-based, which means that more fossil fuels need to be used in their creation.

Traditional asphalt shingles also tend to have a shorter lifespan, so alongside being petroleum-based, they will also need to be replaced every 20 years or so—this means that you’ll be going through considerably more fossil fuels than you would if you’d opted for a metal roof.

Most metal roofs are constructed from a large percentage of recycled materials, which is why they’re an eco-friendly option. Further, the metal roof itself is also recyclable. Even if a steel roof is recycled over and over again, the material won’t lose any of its strength.

If you’re looking to install solar panels or begin harvesting rainwater, metal roofing offers the perfect platform to do so.

Energy efficiency

Many homeowners are hesitant to install a metal roof because of the price tag associated with installation. However, this doesn’t mean that a metal roof is more costly than other types of roofing overall—in fact, it’s one of the cheapest options over time.

Most notably, metal roofing is incredibly energy efficient, allowing homeowners to save on heating and cooling. Unlike traditional asphalt roofing, metal roofs don’t absorb heat. If your roof absorbs heat, it will then be transferred into your home. Ultimately, this means that your HVAC system will need to work harder to keep your home at a desirable temperature.

Metal roofs, on the opposite hand, allow your HVAC system to run more efficiently. This is because these roofs reflect heat rather than absorb it. So, while the surface of a metal roof may get hot under direct sunlight, this is simply because the heat isn’t making it past the surface. For instance, after sundown, you’ll notice that a metal roof seems to cool down instantly. A traditional asphalt roof, however, will remain hot to the touch for several hours into the night.

Appearance and customizability

Finally, metal roofs are one of the most stylish options available to homeowners. In part, this is due to the extreme customizability of these roofs—depending upon the style of your house (as well as your taste), metal roofs come in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and shapes. In fact, modern metal roofs typically come in over 100 colors. This is considerably more than traditional asphalt, meaning that a metal roof is more likely to suit the style and appearance of your home.

While standing seam metal roofs are the most popular style, they aren’t your only option. It is also possible for metal roofing to mimic the style of tiles (either clay or slate), wood shakes, or a variety of other designs. 

Fiberglass asphalt shingles

Rather than opting for traditional asphalt shingles, it is also possible for homeowners to choose fiberglass asphalt shingles. Although they come with their own pros and cons, many individuals will find them a superior option.

A base mat of woven fiberglass is used to create fiberglass shingles. This base is then covered with a waterproof coating made of asphalt. Finally, fiberglass roofs are topped off by ceramic granules. These granules are intended to protect the roofing system from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Fiberglass asphalt roofs contain less asphalt than traditional shingles due to the base mat’s composition. More specifically, to achieve the same level of durability as a traditional asphalt roof, fiberglass shingles won’t need to contain as much asphalt. Overall, this means that fiberglass shingles are more eco-friendly than traditional asphalt shingles. As a result, they’re less reliant on fossil fuels. This lower asphalt content also makes fiberglass roofs lighter weight than their more traditional counterparts. 

As a whole, fiberglass asphalt shingles are a highly resilient roofing material. They also won’t dry out, won’t change shape over time, and are non-porous.

Owens Corning Oakridge shingles


Owens Corning Oakridge Shingles

One of the two varieties of fiberglass shingles offered by Able Roof, Owens Corning Oakridge Shingles, is one of the top options on the market. These singles are wind resistant, class A fire rated, and resistant to algae buildup. They’re also a highly affordable option, even compared to other types of shingles offered by Able Roof. Despite this, Owens Corning Oakridge Shingles still come with the durability you’d expect from fiberglass shingles.

Owens Corning Durations Series shingles

A slightly more expensive option, Able Roof also installs Owens Corning Durations Series. Like the Oakridge shingles, these are also wind resistant, algae resistant, and come with class A fire protection.

However, the Durations Series comes with the added perk of SureNail Technology. This allows for improved weather protection, thanks to the additional reinforcement.

Roofing from the Durations Series also comes in more colors than the Oakridge variety, making it more stylistically adaptable to a wider variety of homes.

Polymer-modified asphalt

Polymer-modified asphalt, also known as modified asphalt roofing, is another top option when it comes to your new roof.

Traditionally, asphalt shingles are made out of blown asphalt. On the other hand, polymer-modified asphalt is made of a material known as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS). This is considered to be a premium shingling option.

Polymer-modified asphalt is considerably more durable than traditional asphalt. In addition, it’s more resistant to impact, making it a superior option for those in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as regular hail.

If you live in a very hot or cold climate, you can expect modified asphalt to hold up without cracking or shrinking.

These premium shingles are also better at withstanding weathering over time. In addition, they provide improved adhesion, meaning that they can better hold onto surface granules. These granules help protect the roof from the sun’s UV radiation, on top of protecting it from weathering.

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex shingles


Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex Shingles

At Able Roof, we offer Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex Shingles. This is a high-quality variety of polymer-modified shingles.

TruDefinition Duration Flex Shingles are highly durable, backed by SureNail technology. They are also wind resistant, impact resistant, algae resistant, and class A fire rated. Overall, this makes them the superior option if you’re looking to protect your home from harsh weather, such as hail. That’s precisely why Able Roof also refers to this option as our “ThunderGuard” shingles.

Call Able Roof

Are you in Central Ohio and need a new roof? If so, it’s time to get in contact with the experts at Able Roof. We provide our clients with some of the top roofing material options if you’re looking to install a durable roof that lasts for many years to come. In addition, you can learn more about our shingling and other roofing options on our site. Or, you can get in touch with us to receive a free estimate.

The post The Best Materials for Your Roof appeared first on Able Roof.

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Leak Investigation & Repair

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Leak Investigation & Repair

Leak Investigation & Repair

Want to know what it looks like when our team comes out to identify the roof leak in your building? Read more here.

We are aware a leak is the last thing you want to find in your building. Although we may be the last call you want to make, we hope Baker Roofing Company is your first. Over 100 years of experience has proven to give us insight into the most efficient way to locate and repair your leak. We believe in transparency and education when it comes to our services. We thought it would be helpful to share what our team does on-site to find that pesky roof leak.

First, the salesperson will go inside the building and speak to the onsite point of contact. If there are any water stains or active indoor leaks, we will take a look at them then. If the business has ceiling tiles, then our team will remove those tiles and look at the type of deck on the building. The deck is accessible between the tiles and the roofline. At this point, we are looking for water or other obvious roof penetrations. We also like to determine if the water is from the air conditioning units’ condensation. Sometimes we identify roof penetrations this way and sometimes we do not.

The next step is to go on the roof. We will then search around any holes, open seams, or penetrations that might be open in the leak area. Depending on the job, we can utilize density gauges or infrared cameras (used at nighttime only) to see if any of the insulation is wet which allows us to track it at the point of entry.

At this point, we have thoroughly checked and identified the problem area. Now you can expect our team to work up a proposal with photo documentation to share our findings. Once the proposal or NTE (not to exceed) work order is signed, our service crew will be scheduled to come out and make the repair! You’ll be back to normal business before you know it. Not to mention, a nice and dry ceiling/roof!

By Alex Manring

Alex has worked at Baker for 5 years! When not at work, she loves spending time outside with her Goldendoodle and her husband Cole, hanging out with her family & friends, trying all the new restaurants in Raleigh, and watching a good movie!

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Prentiss and Frank Interview

William Romaine Roof Maintenance
Prentiss and Frank Interview

Getting Personal With Prentiss and Frank Baker

To survive and persevere in business over 100 years is no simple feat. Almost certainly, this success can be attributed to values-based family ownership and a century-old mission to do Always Good Work. In honor of National Roofing Week, we sat down with our humble leaders and third-generation Baker men, Prentiss and Frank Baker, to share belly laughs over old times and get to know their hearts for serving others.

Tell us a funny story from years past at Baker Roofing!

Prentiss: Truthfully, these stories are not funny when the event happens. It’s bad stuff, you know. But, probably my favorite, and this is back in the 60’s, not too long after Frank and I started working. Could’ve been the early 70’s. We did shingle work back then, we’d go out and reroof a residence. And we had this job, I think I was the estimator and salesman. We had one crew and that crew was two men. Jesse Hinton was the lead guy, you might say the foreman and Jesse had worked for us for a while. And he was a nice, nice, human being but let me tell you what, he was slow as a hitch. When we reroofed just a small house, it might’ve taken two weeks to get done. Now we go out to one that’s four times it’s size and we get it done in a day or two. Anyway, we got this probably $1,500-$2,000 contract to reroof this house, and I remember sending Jesse and his helper out to the job that morning. I wrote down the address and told them I’d meet them in a little while. Somehow, I got busy. Instead of meeting them out there in a timely manner, I get a phone call a day or two later that says “Mr. Baker, this is ‘so-and-so’ and I believe y’all are putting a new roof on the wrong house.” I said, “This is a problem.” We got far enough along that we tore off the old roof and were putting the new roof down. So I got out there and sure enough, Jesse decided to put the new roof on the house beside the job. The guy was just as nice as he could be, he said “Mr. Baker, we got another problem. Not only are you putting it on the wrong house, I don’t like the color of the new roof you put down.” Well, then he got a second new roof… Free. Once we got him finished, we finally went to the right house.

Frank: This has happened more than once. It seems rather tragic when it happens, and then as you get older and see what really is tragic and what is a catastrophe, then this is nothing.

We were doing a job at St. Mary’s College, we were putting a slate roof on a dormitory. We had people that were skilled that were installing the slate roof and I of course did not have enough skill to actually put the roof on, so I was a toter. I would put a stack of slate on my shoulder and walk it up a ladder to the roof. We weren’t quite as safety-minded back then as we are now. During the course of the day, I took a load of slate up, put it down for Jesse, went back over to the ladder and promptly fell off the roof. By blind luck, the mason had just received a shipment of sand which they had dumped on the ground right next to our ladder, so when I fell, I fell on this pile of sand instead of on the ground. It was a two-floor’s drop. And I was so embarrassed that my initial thought wasn’t, “Am I okay? Let’s take stock here and see if anything’s broken.” I ran over, picked up another load of slate, took it back up to the roof as quickly as I could because of the embarrassment and when I got to the top of the ladder, the two guys were laughing their butts off at me trying to act like I had not fallen off the roof. It’s the boss’s son that just fell off the roof.

Our founder, W.P. Baker Sr. was your grandfather. How would you describe your grandfather to those who didn’t know him?

F: Well, he was an uneducated man who educated himself as fully as you could possibly do.

P: No education, but you wouldn’t know it. His dad was a farmer and didn’t have enough money. He came to Raleigh when he was 12 years old, or his parents sent him. His brother was already here working and they needed to work to send money back to the farm down in Harnett Co. so their parents could survive. It was just a different world back then. He came on a mule. So, he was uneducated and as Frank said, he educated himself, but he was a very caring human being, too. He was bright, very energetic… Didn’t say a whole lot. I don’t remember granddad talking, you kinda learned from his actions, how he lived his life, how he treated people.

F: He was sort of a sportsman. He loved to hunt and fish. He captured a number of the snakes that used to be in the NC Natural History Museum in their dioramas. So, he would be out hunting and he would see a snake, and he would stalk the snake and catch it live. He had a Chrysler one-seater, they called it a coupe. He caught a rattlesnake when he was on a trip down east, put it in a burlap sack and put it in the Chrysler.

P: He wasn’t scared of them, honestly.

F: Well unfortunately, with this particular snake, he came back on the weekend and was not able to take it to the museum. So, over the course of the weekend, the snake escaped from the sack in the automobile. And we could not find that snake, it was nowhere to be found. It got down under the floorboards somewhere. So, we were riding around in that thing for about 2 weeks before the snake finally reappeared and granddad recaptured it and took it to the museum.

If you look at some of the pictures we have around at the office here, which I always thought this was sort of unique about him, he was one of the most natty dressers of anybody that you’ve ever seen.

P: He grew up with nothing and when he got a little money, whenever he was doing something that was worth dressing up, he would dress up. And there was a real nice clothing store right downtown, Womble’s, and that’s where he would carry us to buy clothes, too. He wore a bolo tie, not a conventional tie.

F: He bought us our first sport coat when we were about 5 years old. He was something. Who else takes a 5 year old and buys him a sport coat?

Frank, how would you describe Prentiss to anyone who didn’t know him?

F: Well, I say this with a great deal of love for my brother, but we both have about as high a degree of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that can be found on the planet.

P: I thought dad was a little higher.

F: Our family has it in spades. And I’ve always thought that that was one thing, if you were going to hire somebody in a work environment, there is nothing better than to have OCD. Because you are so committed to what you need to do, that you just can’t stop yourself from doing it. He’s the perfect example. He just keeps going and going. We could both be somewhere doing something else, easy, but I mean, you’ve got stuff to finish here.

Prentiss gestures to the stacks of papers piled throughout his office.

P: What I do here has more meaning.

F: You impact more lives down here than you can anywhere else.

Prentiss, how would you describe Frank to anyone who didn’t know him?

P: Well, he started that conversation by saying we were a lot alike, well we are. In other ways, we’re not alike, and that’s good, too! So, he is more of the studious, detail-oriented, academic type than I am. I’m more the… Well, I’m not sure what I am. I won’t describe myself. But, you know, I think there is a big difference there. For instance, he loves to read books, well I love to read books too, but I don’t read them as fast and I seem to let other things get in the way.

F: I will say that back in the day, back when we didn’t know better, Prentiss and I would disagree about things. At that time it was just the two of us, so no one came in and disagreed with us about anything. So, we just disagreed with each other.

P: It got ugly several times.

F: You could hear us all over this place. And after about 20 years of that, we suddenly figured out that you’re not helping yourself or anyone else because nothing ever gets solved by getting angry. So, it’s been a better, simpler ride.

P: We’ve had a very healthy relationship. And even though we disagree about things, it’s okay. You know, it’s kind of like a marriage.

What were you both like in college?

F: This is not a good question.

They both chuckled to each other for a moment.

P: We were carefree.

F: We enjoyed ourselves.

Which two organizations, outside of your own, are you inspired by most?

F: I think the organization that I am most closely tied to and believe in is Crossnore School. We were doing a job for a contractor in Charlotte and the general manager of that company called me and said, “We’re gonna do a project at Crossnore School, we’re going to build a barn for them to do equine therapy.” It’s a live-in school for children who have been abused in any number of ways. And so, they asked if we would put the roof on for them. I agreed that we would do that, and they invited me for the opening of this facility. I said, “Good lord, the last thing I want to do is drive up to the mountains of Western North Carolina on a Sunday.” But I went because the guy was such a good friend. And I got there, and I was overwhelmed. They have expanded, they now have 4 campuses and I think their mission is unbelievable. It moves me every time I think about it.

P: I always think about nonprofits or organizations we’ve been involved with, NRCA and local chamber of commerce, et cetera. I think out of mine, it would be the Boys and Girl Club and the Salvation Army. Even though I have grown, I’ve been involved with those for 50 years each. It’s been very meaningful to me. I’ve developed a love for other places, too, like The Healing Place… I just think that that place is on fire. And you know, you’ve got Habitat, SPCA… Wonderful organizations. These are all just ways that we can give back. If you’re going to be a good citizen, you need to, that’s something that I think we need to maybe better teach and prepare young people. Find something that you’ve got a passion for and volunteer your time. That’s where you’re going to get your best thoughts about the world and life from. You quickly recognize how fortunate you are when you start participating and helping others. It’s a very meaningful experience. And there’s so many needs out there, there’s just not enough dollars and not enough people.

What would you say is your proudest accomplishment of Baker Roofing?

P: People, people, people. Seeing people grow and prosper, and I’m not just talking about money, either. Just seeing a young person come in and they find their passion and we get to work as a team. We’ve put some wonderful roofs on, but that’s not what I think about. The business of Baker Roofing is people. Whether we’re successful or not depends on people.

F: For over 106 years, we’ve provided a family environment for people who want to take advantage of it, and we have many who have taken advantage of it. I think we’ve improved innumerable lives from the time we’ve been in business.

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in the construction industry?

P: I could give you a different answer depending on what day you ask me, but I’ve become to realize that emotional intelligence might just be the biggest part of success in life. We could go on and on about details, roofing, and learning the technical part of it, but really if you get right down to it, if you don’t have the emotional intelligence side of it down, that is I think it can be a learned thing, but there is a lot of natural ability to absorb and understand people. You gotta be interested in people, you gotta want to be around that person and have a positive impact on them.

F: I think, probably, understanding the level of commitment that is necessary to be a success. There’s not a strict hourly constraint on what your job consists of. Your job consists of whatever it is and you have to be committed to fulfilling all the requirements.

P: I sent out a Quote of the Day today that was about effort. And it’s so true what Frank is saying. One wonderful thing about this business is that I never look at the clock. I look at the clock, I’m trying to figure out why I’m late. It’s a good feeling to be involved – businesses can be compared to teams. This is a team. Marketing’s got a role, purchasing’s got a role, risk management’s got a role, estimating’s got a role, operations… So, when all of that comes together, at the highest level, is when you’re going to be successful. And everybody’s got an important role to play.

What are your hopes for the company’s future?

P: That it continues improving. I’m a strong believer in that each and every one of us, including myself, can do things better. Whether it’s leading better, whether it’s mentoring better. It’s kind of like playing tennis. What can I do to better myself? And help others get better from that?

F: I think we are on a pretty steady upward trajectory. I think that the new generation of leadership has some remarkable talents. I believe in them fully and I think in the future we’re going to do nothing more than get better. Because, I think they have the right management style for the type of business we’ve become. Prentiss and I for decades had to do pretty much everything, there just weren’t that many people around. So, these guys can divide responsibilities and they each can concentrate on what their best at, which I think is going to be a long-term benefit. This company is going to be exceptional.

By Shelby Zeuli

Shelby joined the Baker Roofing marketing team in April 2021! When she’s not on top of roofs trying to get a good angle, she likes to capture portrait photography, skateboard, and watch movies with her dog, Sarge.

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