Over a decade of experience in roofing sales and industry work has seen me occasionally being asked by someone for information I’ve never heard of. Most of the time, this is a brief conversation about what they want to achieve and I can help them get what they need. Although shingle terminology is not my forte, there are differences between regions in roofing. My friend drinks cola, while you might drink pop.
This is straight from the comedy routine.
Roofer: “Do you own a whatchamacallit?”
Me: “Don’t know what it is?” What are you trying?
Roofer “I want yadadada!”
Me: “Oh, you need to have a doohickey.”
Roofer: “No, I want to watchamacallit!”
Me: “Let me show it to you, I think that it will work!”
Roofer
Me: “Where did your mother say you were from?”
I hope you get it. It’s like a New Yorker talking to someone from the south. One speaks at super fast speed while one speaks in overdrive. Each has their own dialect. This is true for roofers as well. Commercial roofers and residential roofing contractors can use very different words for very similar things. It can be confusing to understand the meanings of rubber roofing. They can refer to anything from single ply EPDM to a torch modified, peel-and-stick or BUR roof coating. Asking questions is the only way to be certain. As with all things, making assumptions can lead to problems. These products have huge differences. The adhesives and accessories are not compatible and can cause problems if they are used incorrectly.
Tlock shingles were never used in areas like the north-east. Cedar shakes and shingles have been in steady decline over the past 10-15 years in the west. Single ply roofing has been used extensively in Colorado, but is not widely used there. Florida roofers have never heard of a Snow Guard, or Ice Damming.
When choosing a roofing contractor , it is crucial to choose someone who is familiar with the area codes and other issues. Many contractors chase storms, hoping for tornadoes and hail to strike their pockets. While some of these contractors are highly qualified, too many only care about making money and not what is best for their clients. Building codes can vary from one county to another, as well as from one state to the next. You should not hire any commercial flatman if you have a very steep shingle roof. Even though he’s the best roofer at what he does best, chances are that he won’t do the best job. You can ask the “age-old” questions in an area such as Pueblo. or Who is the best slopper? or What color is the bell? While out of state contractors may think you’re crazy, a local will understand what you mean.
Ask him lots of questions and trust your instincts to decide if he’s the right man for you. Many manufacturers, such as Owens Corning, have a list of contractors that they know are reliable and knowledgeable.
Your roof is the first thing that protects everything you own. Take your time and do it right with Reggie Reed Roofing.
This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, one of the best roofing companies St Petersburg Fl. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.