How to Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams

There are many things to consider when remodeling a home or repairing a roof. However, homeowners might overlook the possibility of being scammed by a roofing contractor. Scammers can take many forms: they may overcharge for work or materials or accept payment only to disappear without beginning any work.

How can consumers avoid falling for these roofing scams and how can they protect themselves? This guide will help you identify and avoid scams when working with contractors.

Keep Shady Roofing Contractor At Bay

There are several warning signs that you should be aware of when you hire a roofing contractor in Myrtle Beach to do a job for you.

A contractor approaching you to offer their services to repair a damaged area of your house is a red flag. This is a red flag as a thorough roof inspection is required to determine the extent of damage to your roof. Do not pay a roofing contractor to repair your roof without first inspecting it and calling your insurance company.

Here are some additional red flags you should be aware of when approaching or looking for a contractor.

• Warning Signs for Contractor Scams
• Without credentials, goes door-to-door in search of business
• Pressures you to decide immediately
• Accepts cash only or requests a large deposit
• You can get a special rate if you pay all cash or sign the agreement immediately.
• The bid is far lower than other estimates
• Specials on “leftover” materials
• Unable to verify the physical address
• You will be asked to obtain the necessary permits
• Can’t Provide Any References
• You are not allowed to provide insurance or a license.

There are many scams that can happen while the project is in progress. These include problems such as an unusually close relationship between the roofer, subcontractor or vendor, which could lead either to kickbacks, or bid-rigging. A roofing contractor who refuses to share the duties of others on the project, or insists on keeping all the control, is another sign to look out for.

Most Common Scams involving Contractors

Contractor scams can be applied to any part of the house, but they are more prevalent in certain areas. These scams usually involve exterior repairs, which are difficult for homeowners to see like the roof.

Sometimes, it has been proven that the contractor caused the damage when they inspected the affected area of the house or another nearby.

This could be done by a contractor who inspects the roof for damage after they have removed shingles. If they find more damage, they will then need to repair it.

Are there other forms of contractor fraud that you should be aware of? Here is a list of the most common types.

Driveway sealing: Although contractors will give a substantial discount, the material they use for the job is not durable and can be reapplied in a matter of months.

Roof Repair: Contractors may offer to hot-tar roofs at a greatly discounted price. However, the materials used to do so will be of lower quality and will cause roof leaks when it rains. These scams are often offered in the dry season so that homeowners realize the roof was not properly installed.

Chimney Repair: Contractors use a variety of methods to scam customers into repairing their chimneys. Contractors may offer chimney cleanings at a discounted rate and then remove bricks to make the chimney appear damaged or decayed. Another scam involves claiming that they have seen indications of possible carbon monoxide poisoning and are offering to clean the chimney immediately.

Storm-Chasing: It is a type of contractor fraud that occurs after a storm passes through an area. This includes roof damage. Storm-chasers can ask for payment upfront, or cash in on homeowners’ insurance. Then they will leave you with incomplete or poor work.

How to find a reputable contractor:

• It can seem overwhelming to find a trustworthy contractor in this industry. However, there are steps you can take. Here are some tips to help you find a contractor near you:
• You should look for a roofer that is a part of a well-respected company.
• For information on reputable roofing companies, contact local trade groups.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations.
• For the best results, make sure you find a contractor who specializes in the work that you require.
• After narrowing down your list of contractors, ensure that you thoroughly vet any potential contractors. Below is a list of steps you should take to vet a contractor.

Here are some steps to take when you’re looking for a contractor:

• See public reviews on Google.
• Ask for references from material suppliers; contractors who are reputable tend to have a long-standing relationship with their suppliers. An old contractor-supplier relationship could indicate a problem.
• Ask for their references and, if possible, inspect the work of the contractor.
• To ensure that your contractor’s license remains current, you should research the licensing requirements in your area. To see which type of license is required for general contractors in your state, look through the requirements.
• Visit your local licensing department to ensure that they have a valid license and are not making use of another contractor’s credentials.
• You can conduct a thorough investigation of complaints against the company through places such as the BBB, local community boards or an online search of their name and contractor.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you’re looking for a reputable roofer in your area.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

Is Roof Replacement Tax Deductible

As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your property in top condition. Your family’s safety and security are at stake when you renovate or make improvements to your home. To attract buyers, you will need to make every effort to improve your home. You might be wondering if you can deduct the cost of a new roof from your annual taxes since roof replacement is an important part of home improvements. Homeowners may be eligible for tax credits.

Home repairs and home improvement are two separate entities when filing taxes. It is important that you understand the meanings of each term and how tax deductions work in each case.

Let’s dive deeper into roof replacement to find out if you can write it off or deduct it from your taxes.

What is Home Improvement?

A general definition of improving the condition of a property is to make repairs or to replace it. This can be done to increase the property’s value and life expectancy, but it is not eligible for tax deductions. Home improvement is not something you can do in a few minutes.

Home improvements, unlike home repairs are costly and add substantial value to the property over many years.

Home improvement is the process of transforming or improving an existing space to make it more useful. Home improvement also includes the addition of a space or object to your house. Home improvement also includes making improvements to existing spaces or objects in your condo or home. Home improvement can include a roof replacement, remodeling the kitchen, and remodeling the bathroom.

What is a home repair?

A home repair  is not a significant addition or upgrade that enhances the property’s life expectancy. It is considered a maintenance task if you have a home repair.

You can repair minor problems in space or object within your home with a quick repair. These repairs aren’t expensive and won’t add years to your property or home. Roof repairs may include replacing damaged asphalt shingles. Home repairs also include painting a room and fixing a kitchen appliance.

Roof Replacement vs Roof Repair: Tax Deduction

It is easy to see how roof replacement or roof repair can impact your tax deductions, given the differences between home improvement and home repair. You can’t deduct small repairs like painting a room or repairing a portion of your roof.

A new roof can improve the quality of your home and is therefore considered an improvement. High-quality roofing materials can increase the value of your home over time. You may be able to deduct the cost of a new roof from your annual taxes. You can’t, however, deduct all of the cost at once. You will need a depreciation plan, which is a method of dividing the cost over its useful life. You’ll then be eligible for tax deductions on the expense in the current year.

Tax credits may be available for roof replacements in Myrtle Beach. You should ensure that your roof is made of certified metal, asphalt with pigmented coatings, or cooling granules. These roof replacements can help homeowners cut heat gain and increase energy efficiency. However, labor costs for roofing are not covered.

Always consult a tax professional as the rules change from year to year.

What if I run a home office?

You can deduct business expenses if you have a home-based company or work from home. If you have a new roof installed over your home by a roofing contractor, the cost of that section can be taken off your annual taxes.

Renting out a part of your house to someone will allow you to deduct the cost of re-roofing it.

Selling a Home: Roof Replacement Tax Deductions

Even if you sell your home, there may be tax deductions. You need to keep track of all the expenses, regardless of whether it’s roof replacement or other home improvements. You can avoid any tax burden by creating a folder or using software that records the costs of all home improvements you made while the property was yours.

Keep in mind, however, that losses incurred during the sale or transfer of a primary residence are not subject to tax deductions.

A portion of the income from selling your personal home will be exempted from tax for individuals and couples who have lived in the same house for between 2-5 years. You can find more information about this by checking out the current tax laws in your state.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration if you need roof experts to inspect your roof to determine the best solution and add value to your home over time.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

5 Common Roof Repairs

There are many types of roof problems. Some roof problems can be severe enough to require full replacement. However, it is possible to have roof repairs service quickly and cost-effectively.

It is crucial to make the correct repairs during the summer and autumn months in order to strengthen a roof before the rainy season begins. Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration is available to help you with any roof problems. We use the best remedies and craftsmanship. We have been a trusted roofing contractor for years. Quality roofing services are provided for both residential and commercial buildings.

Roof Repairs or Roof Replacement

Roofs can be damaged by heavy winds, rain, hail and falling debris. We have seen this type of weather recently in our area. Roofs that are missing or cracked can be unsightly when seen from the street.

Roof replacement or re-roofing can be the best option in some situations. Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration can inspect your roof to determine if it needs repair or replacement.

Repair Cracked or Broken Shingles

Cracked asphalt shingles usually happen because of brittleness. This is referred to as thermal splitting. Asphalt shingles tend to crack and expand when temperatures change or the seasons change.

Not only are they ugly, but cracked shingles can also cause a lot of trouble. They can also become brittle. Granules help to reflect sunlight off the roof, and control the roof’s insulation ability. It is best to replace damaged asphalt tabs with newer ones if a roof shows signs of cracking or missing granules.

Replace Missing Shingles

Missing tabs can cause roof damage, even worse than cracks. After a particularly strong storm, your roof may lose shingles. It is possible that the nails supporting the roof’s shingles were not properly placed and lose shingles could have fallen off.

A basic roof repair in Myrtle Beach would suffice if this occurs. It is important to immediately repair any missing shingles because water can seep into your roof sheathing and cause rot.

Maintenance Basics

Inadequate maintenance can lead to a smaller problem that becomes larger. It takes little effort, time and money to do preventative maintenance that homeowners can complete in a weekend. A great way to clean your roof of leaves, moss and algae is power-washing it.

It is also an excellent way to maintain your roof. It can be a hassle-free job to clear out your gutters and valleys of dead leaves. As the rainy season advances, drainage problems can get worse.

If you don’t feel comfortable climbing up a ladder, call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration is available for maintenance calls.

Leakage Repair

There are various reasons why roofs could leak. The most frequent problems are caused by flashing that is not properly installed or reinforced. Flashing should be adequate in valleys on a roof that allow water to flow through them. Cracks or gaps in the flashing around these valleys and skylights can cause major leaks.

Roofing contractors from Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration can pinpoint the source of a leak and make quick repairs. We can fix any roof problem, no matter what the source, including condensation from your attic or issues with your shingles.

Roof Damage Caused By Falling Debris

Debris can fall onto roofs that are located near trees with large limbs or heavy branches. Tree limbs may break and fall on roofs, especially following severe storms. The roof can be damaged by tree branches or limbs that fall onto it. A section may also fall off the roof.

Roof damage can be caused by large amounts of leaf debris that has been allowed to accumulate and then rot. Mold and algae, which can trap moisture under leaves that have fallen, can cause roof damage. This could lead to dark spots on your home.

What are the benefits of hiring a roofing contractor?

After reading some articles on the internet or watching Youtube videos, you might be considering tackling a DIY roofing project. DIY roofing repairs can be dangerous and costly. Although maintenance is possible to do on the weekend, it’s not worth the effort. Our local roofers can complete your roofing job faster, more affordably, and with greater satisfaction. Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration can help you avoid the headache and potential for poor workmanship.

For your next roof repair, contact Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration right away.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

What Kind Of Roof Damage Is Covered By Insurance?

Homeowners insurance protects your roof against any unforeseen issues. Sometimes, however, your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover the unexpected including roof repair.

You are left confused and frustrated as you believed your insurance would cover roof damage that caused the leak. You might be asking, “What type of roof damage is covered by my insurance?”

Roof Damage, Roof Repair, and Home Insurance

Which kind of roof damage can be covered by insurance

Your insurance policy cannot cover roof damage caused by extreme weather events. Straight-line winds, also known as damaging winds, are caused by severe weather events such as hail storms and snowstorms.

Roof damage caused by storms should be covered by homeowners insurance. Your homeowners insurance policy will pay for the replacement of your roof if it is damaged by any of these events.

Remember that your insurance adjuster will determine if the roof has sustained enough damage to warrant a complete roof replacement. Your homeowner’s policy should cover your roof, provided the damage was caused by extreme weather.

What can you do if your roof is damaged?

You now know the extent of your coverage. The next step is figuring out how to fix it. If your roof has been damaged, you must immediately call your homeowners insurance company.

Contact them and provide all pertinent information. The next step will depend on what your insurance company tells you. You can either have an insurance adjuster inspect the roof damage, or they will direct you to contact a roofing company and get a roof inspection.

Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these scenarios.

An insurance adjuster is sent by the insurance company to inspect for damage to the roof.

Your insurance company will schedule an adjuster to inspect the roof for damage in the first scenario. Once the inspection is complete, your insurance company will approve your claim or inform you that they did not find any roof damage.

Once your claim has been approved, you can start looking for local roofing contractors who have experience with insurance claims. When your claim gets denied, there are still ways to recheck for roof damage.

Ask your insurance company to send a second adjuster out to inspect your roof. They might be able to see the things that your first adjuster missed and will approve your claim.

Sometimes, however, the second adjuster may insist that roof damage is not feasible for a claim. You can request an engineer to inspect your roof if you are still not satisfied with the second adjuster’s decision.

If they have any, they will be able to show proof to your insurance company that your roof is in dire need of replacement due to roof damage caused by recent storms. Your insurance company is free to accept or deny your roof damage claim.

To inspect your roof for damage, you can call a local roofing contractor

The second scenario is where your insurance company advises you to contact a local roofing contractor for a roof inspection. To submit to your insurance company, the roofing contractor would take photos of damages that is apparent or suspected.

The insurance company will send an adjuster out to inspect the roof if the contractor’s photos show evidence of roof damage. Your claim will be approved if the adjuster agrees.

When Can A Roof Damage Claim Be Denied

You now know what to do if you believe you have roof damage. But, who can approve your claim? What would happen if your roof damage claim is denied?

Your claim will be denied if your roof isn’t damaged. Another reason homeowners are unaware is that they wait too long to file a claim.

You usually have between 1 and 2 years to file a claim depending on which insurance company you have. This is quite common. However, homeowners insurance will not cover roof damage if the roof was not installed correctly.

Let’s suppose that straight-line winds ripped the roof off your house. When the insurance adjuster arrives, they discover that your shingles were not properly installed.

It won’t be covered if the roof was not properly secured. This will mean that you’ll need to either pay the roof repair bill yourself or call your roofing contractor to get their workmanship warranty honored. If they don’t do the job right, they may not be able to stand behind their work.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you need the help of an expert roofer in installing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing your roof.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

How to Handle an Emergency Roof Repair?

The roof will eventually give out, either because of natural causes or age. Panic is the next thing that you should do. We can't do anything but accept that a roof repair is necessary. This is a difficult task that even the most experienced roofers can't handle. This is a huge task that may require a lot of time and effort. You should act fast if you have a roofing problem. You can't always expect everything to work out your way. You will lose some and win some, just like in games. Accept defeat and move on, it might even get harder down the road.

Emergency Roof Repair

Consider Tarping It is not a good idea to waste time hiring emergency roofers. This is why tarping is so important. Ask your friends and family what they did in an emergency situation with a damaged roof. All of your friends and family will experience the same thing when disasters strike their area. Sometimes you feel lucky, and you may win the trophy. This is exactly the same as in the previous example. You never know where you'll find a good roofer. Even the most unlikely sources can provide it. It is better to ask many people. Although it may take a lot of time, it will be well worth it when you find a roofing company that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We can assure you that this is rare these days due to high standards. Review the Emergency Roofing Company Before you hire roofing contractors, it is important to do your research. It would be a great idea to read reviews left by past clients about these roofers. It is always a good idea to get another opinion on what you plan to do. This will help in the long-term. It won't take long to see all the reviews written by those who didn't have enough time. You will see the pros and cons of each roofing company when you read each review. This will allow you to make an informed decision about whether to hire them. It is easy to predict what you will do once the time comes. Every review is written by an individual so each one will be unique. Patch Leaks A roofing contractor will help you fix leaks. You may be tempted to do the repairs yourself. Try to resist it. It won't do you any good. you will only end up having more problems later on especially if you don't know what you're doing. Purchase the Material You Need It is better to be prepared than sorry in this situation. It's better not to be sorry and buy as many things as you need in the future. Your roof could soon fail again. A leak can occur anytime, even if your roof is quite old. It is a very hopeless situation and you don't know what to do. It is not a bad idea to start looking for tools you might need. You should also set aside a budget as there will be many things you want to spend your money on. You must take good care of your roof. Even if roofers are on the job, it is possible that you will still require additional tools. You will never know what problem you have until the professionals find it for you. When you're in the presence of greatness, there is nothing to be worried about. This means roofers who know what they're doing. These roofers will do the job quickly and efficiently. They can also give you advice on what to do next time so you don't have to. It is possible to learn from your mistakes and look forward to the many years ahead. Unexpected events can happen at unexpected times. Life is not easy. Rarely will you meet someone who is always lucky? If this is the case, they can choose to live dangerously. Your house could flood if your roof is damaged. It's impossible to know what you can do if your roof is damaged.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you need help in installing, inspecting, repairing, or replacing your roof.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration 4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-222-9796 https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com  

https://greglillyroofingandrestoration.com/handle-emergency-roof-repair/

Five Ways Roofing Can Help Reduce Heat In Your Home

People who live in hot climates love to share their weather reports and information with those who live in colder climates. At the very least, that’s what they want to do during winter. But, once summer arrives and their air conditioners fail to keep the temperature comfortable, they don’t feel as excited about their sunny, bright days. You may be quick to point fingers at your old air conditioner for high temperatures in your home. But, your roofing system might be the culprit. Find out how cool roof products can make your home more comfortable.

These are five ways that roofing can reduce heat inside your home.

1) Roof Repair

Your roofing material should not be damaged. This is the first step to lowering your energy consumption. Properly installed roofs will seal off hot air and prevent it from getting into your home. Proper roof repairs can improve the look of your home as well as prevent leaks.

2) Roof Insulation

Roof insulation is a great way to reduce heating costs in winter. This creates an air pocket between the two layers of tiles or shingles, which prevents heat from escaping.

Roof insulation also helps in the summer, as it prevents hot air from getting inside your home.

Sometimes, the Department of Energy may even reimburse you for your cool roofing project. Energy.gov provides information about tax credits, rebates and savings.

3) Roof Color

Your roof is the first thing that would heat up in warm climates. Direct sunlight raises your roof’s temperature.

In middle school science class, you probably learned that darker colors absorb more heat. It makes sense to use this knowledge when choosing the color of your roofing material.

Because of the way light reflects off white roofs, cooling costs can be reduced by as much as 40% in hot climates. Although a white roof might not be appealing to the eye, cool roofs are stylish and efficient.

4) Roof pitch

A steeply sloped roof is more durable and requires less maintenance than a flat one. A steeper roof pitch will allow for less heat to enter your home, which will increase its energy efficiency. A roofing contractor will help you decide the right pitch for your roof.

Cool Roof Coatings

Cool roof coatings can be applied to your roof using liquid sealants. It reduces heat and helps reflect sunlight, which in turn results in lower energy costs.

There are many types of coatings available, including silicone and elastomeric reflecting coating. Both can reduce heat absorption. Ask your roofing contractor in Myrtle Beach for the best choice!

Use One of these Cool Roof Initiatives to Increase Energy Efficiency

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration can help you keep your roof cool if you’re concerned about your energy costs. We’re happy to talk about how insulation, steep roofing, and other cool roof options can maintain the comfortable temperature of your home.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you need help with your roof. Whether it’s installation, repair, maintenance, or replacements, our team is ready to help.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-222-9796
https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

Five Ways Roofing Can Help Reduce Heat In Your Home

People who live in hot climates love to share their weather reports and information with those who live in colder climates. At the very least, that's what they want to do during winter. But, once summer arrives and their air conditioners fail to keep the temperature comfortable, they don't feel as excited about their sunny, bright days. You may be quick to point fingers at your old air conditioner for high temperatures in your home. But, your roofing system might be the culprit. Find out how cool roof products can make your home more comfortable.

These are five ways that roofing can reduce heat inside your home.

1) Roof Repair Your roofing material should not be damaged. This is the first step to lowering your energy consumption. Properly installed roofs will seal off hot air and prevent it from getting into your home. Proper roof repairs can improve the look of your home as well as prevent leaks. 2) Roof Insulation Roof insulation is a great way to reduce heating costs in winter. This creates an air pocket between the two layers of tiles or shingles, which prevents heat from escaping. Roof insulation also helps in the summer, as it prevents hot air from getting inside your home. Sometimes, the Department of Energy may even reimburse you for your cool roofing project. Energy.gov provides information about tax credits, rebates and savings. 3) Roof Color Your roof is the first thing that would heat up in warm climates. Direct sunlight raises your roof's temperature. In middle school science class, you probably learned that darker colors absorb more heat. It makes sense to use this knowledge when choosing the color of your roofing material. Because of the way light reflects off white roofs, cooling costs can be reduced by as much as 40% in hot climates. Although a white roof might not be appealing to the eye, cool roofs are stylish and efficient. 4) Roof pitch A steeply sloped roof is more durable and requires less maintenance than a flat one. A steeper roof pitch will allow for less heat to enter your home, which will increase its energy efficiency. A roofing contractor will help you decide the right pitch for your roof. Cool Roof Coatings Cool roof coatings can be applied to your roof using liquid sealants. It reduces heat and helps reflect sunlight, which in turn results in lower energy costs. There are many types of coatings available, including silicone and elastomeric reflecting coating. Both can reduce heat absorption. Ask your roofing contractor in Myrtle Beach for the best choice! Use One of these Cool Roof Initiatives to Increase Energy Efficiency Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration can help you keep your roof cool if you're concerned about your energy costs. We're happy to talk about how insulation, steep roofing, and other cool roof options can maintain the comfortable temperature of your home.

Call Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration now if you need help with your roof. Whether it's installation, repair, maintenance, or replacements, our team is ready to help.

Greg Lilly Roofing & Restoration 4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202 Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-222-9796 https://www.greglillyroofingandrestoration.com

https://greglillyroofingandrestoration.com/ways-roofing-reduce-heat-home/