Atlanta's Search for a Slate & Tile Roofing Contractor

If your a homeowner in the Atlanta, Buckhead and Midtown area, then there is a good chance that part of your homes maintenance involves your slate or tile roofing system. Maintaining your sate or tile roofing system is as important as any other items that you have on your homes maintenance list. More and more home owners are having there roofing systems checked on a regular basis these days, which is smart if you think about it. Regular inspections or maintenance, will catch small problems or issues with your slate or tile roof before they can grow to become huge and costly problems.

If you are new to Atlanta, and have just bought one of the many fine homes in the Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown areas that has a slate or tile roofing system, then you are faced with the task of finding the right slate and tile roofing contractor. One you trust and can have a relationship with if you will.

And why shouldn't you? Don't you go to the same person to do your hair every month, or how ever often you may go? And don't you go to the same place to get your car serviced? We all do, and the reason we do this is because we trust them and because we like there work. The same should be with your slate or tile roofing contractor. You need to find one you can trust, and in doing that there are a few things you should keep in mind when searching for one. It's very important to be able to turn to a roofing contractor that can be trusted, to give accurate advice and pricing, as well as to complete the job properly.

Maybe the first thing you should do is inform or educate your self on the type of roofing systems you have. You can do this by getting on the internet and search for slate or tile roofing contractors in Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown, and visit there websites and read there informative blogs they have. I have been to all the better and more repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors websites, for the Atlanta, Buckhead and Midtown area, and all the better ones offer an informative blog. After an hour or two on the Internet, becoming familiar with some of the main roofing terms, the process of contacting a slate and tile roofing contractor and beginning to get quotes will seem less foreign.

OK so now that you have done some research, and after learning a bit about roofing, it's time to turn to the professionals.
First you might want to check with family or friends you might have in the area, or your neighbors and see who they use, and if their happy with them. Be sure to ask if they would hire the company again, or whether they'd be likely to choose another roofing contractor, and if they were not likely to use the same company again then you know not to even consider them.

All so, repeatable slate and tile roofing companies will have a permanent business address and phone number, along with a tax ID. It's important to see proof of your roofing contractor's liability and workers' comp insurance policies to ensure that the homeowners won't be held responsible in the event of an accident. It's also standard to check that they have a legitimate business license from Georgia.
Most repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors will be members of regional or national industry associations which keep them up to date on changes in the industry.While it isn't necessarily a deal-breaker if the roofing company isn't a member, it is something to consider.

The Better Business Bureau is another source homeowners can use to uncover any complaints that have been filed about the company in the past. Whats great about the Better Business Bureau is that you don't have to be a member for them to have complaints logged against them. Finally, all roofing contractors should be able to provide references from several of their previous jobs. Other online services provide such information such as Angie's list, Kudzu and Yelp. Yelp is a popular new comer to this type of search. Although they must be members of the ones just mentioned to find out anything about them, you will find that most repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors will be members of these out lets, for they have nothing to hide.

Having given you all the tools and things to consider while finding a slate and tile roofing contractor, I would like you to consider Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing. Scott Morrow has been roofing for 25 years and has 20 years experience in the slate and tile industry as well as modified rubber applications and custom copper fabrication. Scott Morrow falls under all the criteria mentioned above and works in the Atlanta, Buckhead & Midtown area.

Are you asking the right questions when hiring a slate and tile roofing contractor?

 If home owners are not careful about the type of contractor they hire to work on,or even let get on there slate or tile roof, they can receive inferior repairs or added damage to there roof that becomes a financial nightmare. It pays to ask the following questions about a company before you even ask for its bid or even let them on your roof:

Are they an accredited Business with BBB?
Always check a business rating with the BBB (Better business bureau)
What is great about BBB is a business does not have to be registered with them to have a rating. People can still go and file a report with the BBB about poor business habits.   

Is the company licensed and insured?
   many states roofing contractors are required to have a general contractor's license. They should also have insurance to compensate you for property damage, or personal injury, and to prevent you from being held liable if a worker is injured on your property.
Hiring a roofing contractor who is licensed, and insured is a must in protecting yourself against crippling financial setbacks. If a company lacks one of these key forms of protection, they should not even be allowed on or even near your roof.

Will the company provide a contractor's warranty?
  Companies that provide quality roofing services and repairs ensure there quality of their work with a contractor's warranty.  It is important to remember that a manufacturer's warranty only covers the materials used on a job and not the actual workmanship.

Does the company have experience installing or repairing the type of roof you have?
  Always make sure you hire a roofing contractor that has plenty of slate or tile roofing experience! It would be wise to hire one with the words slate or tile in the title of there name or business. don't hire a asphalt shingle roofing contractor to work, or even get on your slate or tile roof or you will get repairs like this.

Does the company use subcontractors?
  If a roofing contractor uses subcontractors, they should be held to the same standards as the contractor. Unless subcontractors are licensed, and insured, and have a permanent business location, and have experience installing or repairing the type of slate or tile roof you have, they should not be allowed to work on your home.

Conclusion
  The slate and tile roofing contractor who installs or repairs your roof has a great influence on how well it performs and, ultimately, how long it lasts. Poorly performed repairs typically result in increased maintenance and repair costs.
Asking the questions above will determine the quality of a contractor's slate or tile roofing services. For a list of licensed roofing contractors, contact your state's Construction Industry Licensing Board.

If you need professional, licensed & insured slate and tile roofing contractor in Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown area  be sure to check out Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs for all your slate and tile roofing needs@ www.scottmorrowroofing.com

Slate and Tile Roofing Problems for Homeowners

A roof made from slate or tile has a unique appearance that is best described as simple elegance. These roofing materials attract our attention much more than traditional asphalt shingles. However, even they are not immune to issues, with issues ranging from minor and inexpensive to severe and costly. Learn about common issues and prevent these from becoming serious problems that require the entire roof to be replaced.

A slate roof is comprised of slivers of rock formed into shingles. This material creates a natural look and offers versatility in patterns and designs. Slate tile is low-maintenance, provides good protection against a fire, and has a long lifespan. It is also not vulnerable to rotting or insects. However, it can also be very heavy so if the roof is not reinforced sufficiently, structural issues may result. Slate tile is also breakable and someone who is inexperienced can crack tiles while attempting to clean gutters, paint the house, or perform maintenance on the rooftop.

Clay roofing tiles have a modern appearance and are also suitable for Spanish mission, Italian, or southwestern style homes. A tile roof has a long expected lifespan and the tiles are not susceptible to insects, burning, or rotting. Like slate, clay tiles are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. However, some brands feature color only on the tile surface, making the tile susceptible to fading.
Similar to slate, clay tiles can be heavy and they are fragile. Initial tile roofing installation can be complicated, making it important to use a roofing professional who has experience dealing with tile. Look for a roofer that specializes in the installation and repair of roofs made from this material and works locally, providing a personal touch.

Tiles made from concrete are also used as roofing materials. Fiber-reinforced cement is used to create panels, tiles, shingles, and simulated-wood shakes. These are durable, represent efficient use of resources, and have long lifetimes. Concrete tiles are also low-maintenance, insect and rot-resistant, and provide good fire protection. Early versions were prone to color change, curling, and breakage but many of these issues have been overcome due to improved technology.

Both tile and slate roofing materials are more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. However, their aesthetic qualities, long lifetimes, and low maintenance requirements make the cost more justifiable. Proper installation and care ensures that expensive tile and slate roofing problems do not develop and this includes structural reinforcement and breakage repair.

Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing is an Atlanta based roofing company specializing in slate roofing problems and repair. If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to schedule an appointment or find out more about our services, please click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_F._McKidman

Slate Roofing V/S Tile Roofing

The high-end, top shelf if you will of roofing materials in terms of quality and looks are Slate & Tile. Depending on the type, your looking at a 50 -100+ year life span if maintained properly. Tile is made out of baked clay, while Slate is quarried. Both types also come made of synthetic  materials such as concrete and plastic in some cases.

The most recognizable of the tile family is the Spanish tile. Spanish Tile is traditionally a great stylish look, and will complement any home. There are other types of Tile that  are just as beautiful as Spanish Tile, there are also flat tile roofing systems. These roofing systems have a look all there own and are just as stunning.

There is also a tile that is similar to the Spanish Tile roofing system but the curves in the Tile are not

as high as they are on the Spanish Tile. Tile is very durable and can withstand fire, hail and other extrema conditions. At the same time you still must be careful when walking around on it, because if your not careful and walk on it wrong you can break the Tile. So always hire a licensed and insured Slate and Tile roofing contractor to work on, or even look at your Slate or Tile roof.

Slate has many of the same benefits as Tile but at the same time it is more expensive. Slate also has a look all its own and is very beautiful. It costs 10x the cost of asphalt shingles but lasts almost forever and requires less maintenance. Not all roofers are familiar with slate, so again hire a real Slate roofing contractor for any maintenance. 

One interesting fact is that light colored roofs significantly reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed. This keeps the house cool in the summer. So in warmer climates pick a lighter colored tile if possible. Slate however is losing some of its popularity because of the price, and the economy being where it is today. There are new synthetic slate roofing materials that are made of either Slate dust or cement and fiber resin that are slightly cheaper and retain many of Slate's good qualities.

If you find that you have any questions about your Slate or Tile roofing system you can visit Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing website @ www.scottmorrowroofing.com 

A Leaking Roof

A leaking roof can cause a homeowner plenty of headaches and nightmares, and the actual cause may come from any number of hidden reasons. What you may see as the most obvious problem may not be, and fixing just the problem you see may not solve it all together. Leaks around chimneys can be especially challenging to diagnose properly as the exact reason for it is not always readily visible. There may be a visible primary problem, but there could also be hidden secondary issues. It takes a real experienced roofing expert to spot the exact causes of a leak and then fix it properly.

These are just some of the main reasons for a leaking roof:

1.     Flashing problems - Flashing refers to a thin piece of metal that is installed in joints and seams to prevent water from getting in. Flashing can be made from several different types of metal, copper is a very common one in older homes and churches. In the case of flashing around a chimney this can deteriorate and cause leaks. In such an instance the old metal would have to be removed and replaced with new hand-soldered flashing's.
2.     Gutters - If a section of gutter  is not draining properly, the water may find its way inside. Cleaning out the gutters and downspouts regularly, re-lining box gutters or adjusting hanging gutters may be required to fix the problem. There are many different types of gutters made from a variety of materials. In some older homes you can even have the situation of having 2 or 3 different types on the same house!
3.     Flaws in the roofing materials - For a slate or tile roof, a missing or broken slate or tile can easily lead to a leak. For a tile roof,the roll roofing under the tile  can be causing the issue. For an asphalt roof, the roof material itself may be beyond its service life. Storm damage is another common cause of leaks in any roof.

You really need an experienced roofer to inspect your roof yearly. Get them to look the roof and gutter system over to make sure it is doing the job it is designed to do. Copper gutters wear down over time and galvanized gutters can deteriorate and rust out. When gutters don't drain rainwater and melting snow away properly water can back up under the roofing surface and cause hidden leaks. On a multi-storied home if the gutters overflow because of deterioration or back up water dripping onto the roof below can cause it to wear away faster than normal, resulting in a shorter service life of the roof.

Most professional roofing contractors offer free estimates to do an inspection. Their findings might locate a simple problem or there could be no problem at all. Fixing a minor problem now will save you the time, expense and heartache of dealing with a major problem later that can cause significant interior damage to your home.

For more information on Slate and Tile roofs go to www.scottmorrowroofing.com

Broken Spanish Tile Replacement

I want to start off like I always do, and that's by giving thanks to Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs of Atlanta Georgia.facebook provides us with the pictures of his work which brings this blog to life and helps to illustrate our topic.

I don't always mention how important it is to hire a experienced slate and tile contractor in each post, but I should. Today we are going to share with you some simple Spanish tile replacement.
Now Spanish tile is a very durable roofing system, but some times storms or wind can cause tree branches to fall and occasionally brake one from time to time.

So if it ever happens to you, make sure you hire a real slate and tile contractor or you will end up with a repair like this.

Now I know this is a different type of tile but it is a perfect example of hiring the wrong contractor. What has happened is the contractor they hired was not a slate and tile contractor, so he did not have the right material with him to replace the broken piece so he put part of an asphalt shingle in its place, at least he didn't put a bunch of tar all over it like most of them do.

Just like this one! So these home owners hired the wrong contractor to fix this broken piece of tile and this is what they got. The tar ended up failing and they had to have it fixed again. Money down the drain.
But the next contractor they hired was Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs. Scott pulled out the broken piece of tile.

Then he replaced the broken piece of tile with another piece of tile, he didn't use tar or a piece of a asphalt shingle. Fellow roofers take notes! And this is what it is suppose  to look like when it is done right the first time.

I just want to give you another example of how it is done right.

This is before. there are two broken pieces there that need to be changed that were most likely broken by a contractor who didn't know how to walk on a Spanish tile roof the right way.

And this is a picture of the two tiles properly removed.

And this is the finished product. NOTICE there is no tar! And just one more example before we go.

Before...........................

Broken tile removed......................................

And finally the finished product. Again we want to thank Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile roofing & Repairs of Atlanta Georgia For Providing pictures of his work to help with this blog.