As hurricane season approaches, homeowners in Northwest Florida are turning to Specialty Roofers, Inc. for expert advice and services to safeguard their homes. 

• The company’s “Roof Shield” service, launched in the wake of Hurricane Michael, is designed to help residents prepare for severe weather and minimize potential damage to their roofs.

Mike Miller, President and General Manager of the Residential Roofing Division at Specialty Roofers, explains the importance of the “Roof Shield” service: “After Hurricane Michael, we realized that so many people weren’t prepared. That’s why we started offering the Roof Shield service – it’s a comprehensive inspection that checks for tree coverage, loose shingles, damaged flashings, and other potential issues.”

The “Roof Shield” service includes a thorough roof inspection, cleaning of debris from gutters and valleys, sealing of roof penetrations, repair of nail pops, and light branch trimming. Customers who sign up for the service also benefit from priority scheduling in the event of a leak or storm emergency, ensuring they receive prompt attention when they need it most.

• “One of the top things homeowners should do to prepare for severe weather is to clean debris from their gutters, valleys, and roof in general,” Miller advises. “When you get these storms, you want water to be able to flow freely. Backed up valleys and gutters can be a big problem.”

Specialty Roofers’ expertise extends beyond just preparing for storms – they also offer valuable insights on how to ensure a roof’s longevity and ability to withstand severe weather. Miller recommends using architectural shingles with a 130 mph wind rating and a full roofing system from a single manufacturer for optimal performance and warranty coverage.

“We often see contractors using cheaper materials or the cheapest underlayment to save money,” Miller explains. “But when you have a warranty situation, you’re going to have major issues if all the components aren’t from the same manufacturer.”

In the unfortunate event of storm damage, Specialty Roofers is well-equipped to handle repairs of all sizes, says Miller. Their dedicated service department runs two trucks every day, focusing solely on repairs ranging from minor shingle loss to more extensive damage. For larger projects and insurance claims, the company employs project managers trained in Xactimate, an insurance program that helps them efficiently navigate the claims process.

• “Insurance companies won’t just take any bid,” Miller notes. “They want everything itemized through Xactimate, so having trained project managers who can deal with the insurance company more efficiently is a huge advantage.”

Miller shared an example of how the “Roof Shield” service could have prevented significant damage and costly repairs for one elderly homeowner. 

“She had a pipe boot that went bad after year 11 or 12, and it ruined her whole bathroom upstairs,” he recounted. “The poor lady didn’t know she had this problem because she doesn’t even use the upstairs of her house anymore.”

The seemingly small issue of a deteriorating pipe boot, a rubber gasket around a pipe that prevents water infiltration, went unnoticed until it caused extensive damage. “A $10 pipe boot cost her thousands and thousands of dollars worth of drywall, insulation, and wood damage that could have been prevented if she just had an inspection,” Miller explained.

Specialty Roofers offers the “Roof Shield” service at two price points: $450 for one annual visit or $800 for two visits a year. Customers who sign up for the service also receive a 10% discount on any needed repairs, providing added value and peace of mind.

• “During every Roof Shield inspection, we get in the homeowner’s attic to inspect inside, making sure there’s no damage on the underside of the deck that wouldn’t be seen from on top of the roof,” Miller explains. “It goes a long way.”

Now two weeks into hurricane season, Miller emphasizes the importance of having a detailed checklist for hurricane preparedness and staying on top of it each year. “Immediately call a licensed, professional, local company if you do receive damage and be patient because everyone’s receiving a lot of phone calls. The sooner the call goes in, the higher you are on the list,” he advises.

With their comprehensive “Roof Shield” service and commitment to customer satisfaction, Specialty Roofers, Inc. is helping homeowners in Northwest Florida protect their homes and peace of mind during hurricane season and beyond. 

As Miller concludes, “At a minimum, we always recommend the Roof Shield service. It will save you a lot of money down the road just to have a certified roofing contractor closely overlook your roof, because there are a lot of things that aren’t going to be seen from the ground.”