FAQ's - Roofing by Hernandez

What’s the best flat roofing material?

While we would love to give you a definitive answer to this question, it’s not possible as each flat roofing material has its own pros and cons. Some do some things better than others and some are easier to install. However, it’s all about what’s best for your particular structure. That’s the question that needs to be answered before you make any roofing decisions and Roofing by Hernandez can help. Our professional estimator will visit your property, perform a thorough inspection of your current roofing, and give you a clear and detailed recommendation based off their findings. They’ll explain why the material they recommend is the best for your particular situation – taking into account the expected wear and tear, the structure’s requirements, and your overall roofing budget. Schedule your free visit by calling (312) 439-0556 or by using our helpful contact form.

How much does a flat roof cost in Chicago?

Another question without a solid answer, flat roofing comes in a wide range of prices depending on several factors. The structure itself, its complexity and size, play a big role in the end costs for flat roof installation; as do the specific materials themselves. In these ways, flat roofing is very similar to traditional pitched roofing, but, believe it or not, flat roofing is normally cheaper than its sloped counterparts. Our team will explain all of your available options when they visit for your free estimate – including the specific factors that go into your roofing installation price. Again, the costs are down to the following factors:

• Size & Complexity of Roof
• Work Required – Removal, Replacement, Re-Roof
• Years of Warranty
• Lifetime of Roofing Material

Is water pooling on my flat roof a problem?

Yes, it is. Any water that remains standing on your roof after 24-48 hours after a rain is a sign of a drainage problem. Flat roofing should be installed with a slight pitch to allow for the easy transfer of water from the roof to the gutter system. When water pools, it can destroy the material and weaken the overall integrity of your roofing. Roofing by Hernandez can assist you with this type of problem by installing additional drains or tapered insulation to move the water where it needs to go. Call (312) 439-0556 for a visit from our experts and a free estimate for flat roof repair!

Does snow pose a threat to my flat roofing?

Thankfully, most Chicago buildings are designed with snow loads in kind. However, letting snow accumulate on your roofing can be a risky proposition. This is because of mitigating factors that could weaken your structure’s ability to handle the additional weight, so hiring a professional snow removal team is the best way to avoid bad things happening. Some of the factors that can lead to a snow-caused collapse are:

• Water damage that goes untreated for long periods of time.
• Additions to a structure not planned during original construction.
• Damaged or clogged drains and scuppers on the rooftop.
• Older structures built using out-of-date building codes.
• Interior modifications to a structure.

How do I start the flat roofing process?

All it takes to start the flat roofing process is using our helpful contact form or calling (312) 439-0556 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff about your roofing needs. We’ll schedule your free estimate visit and explain our findings clearly to allow you to make an informed decision. There’s no obligation, so don’t put it off another minute. Contact Roofing by Hernandez for the finest flat roofing services in all Chicagoland.

What should I do when I have an insurance claim?

The first thing to do when you’ve had a roofing problem covered by insurance is to call your insurance provider and report the problem to start the claims process. The very next thing you need to do is call the insurance claims specialists at Roofing by Hernandez at (312) 439-0556. In fact, you could call us first if you feel that you’d be better served by getting your estimate first – not to mention having a professional on your team when the insurance company gets involved. That’s never a bad idea, so make the call right away and ensure you have all the information you need to be treated fairly by your insurer.

When is a roofer necessary in the claims process?

Again, having Roofing by Hernandez on your team is a good idea at any time during the claims process. But, we would recommend involving us as early as possible. This will ensure you have all the facts about your roofing problem when dealing with your insurance company and their adjuster. It’s a good idea to have us there when the adjuster arrives to walk them through what we’ve found and give them a professional opinion about the required repair or replacement – including costs. So, call (312) 439-0556 for the help you need to get the roofing settlement you deserve.

Can Roofing by Hernandez help me with paperwork?

Yes. Roofing by Hernandez has been assisting homeowners with their insurance claim paperwork for over a decade. We’ve worked with all the major insurance companies and are familiar with what’s involved, what they’re looking for, and how best to present your claim. We’ll work closely with you to make sure everything is in order before you submit your claim and stay by your side throughout the process – from start to finished roofing. Call us at (312) 439-0556 or use our contact form to get the insurance claim assistance you need.

Are your estimates and consultations free?

Of course they are! When you call (312) 439-0556 or submit your information using our contact form, we’ll schedule a visit from our professional estimator. When they arrive at your property, they’ll perform a thorough inspection of your roofing before delivering our free estimate for service. This estimate will include all the available options for your particular roofing issue and we’ll fully explain it to ensure you understand what you’re facing – from costs to timetable. It’s great service at a better price and all of it comes with a free estimate and consultation!

Do you serve my location?

That’s a question we can’t answer until we know exactly where you are. That means you’ll need to call our team at (312) 439-0556 or submit a contact form to find out. We have an extended service area that covers a great deal of Chicagoland with pages describing these locations found here on our site. Check them for your area or just reach out to us for a conversation. We can’t wait to talk to you about your roofing needs!

How Do I Know If My Contractor Is Reputable?

This is a great question and one every roofing customer should ask. The simplest way to know if a contractor is reputable and qualified for the job is to ask them for their credentials – including their certificate of insurance, their Illinois and City of Chicago licensing, and any memberships they maintain in national, state, and local roofing organizations. Any contractor worthy of your business will not hesitate to produce the documents you request. You can also visit the City of Chicago’s website here to verify their information.

Do I Need More Than One Bid?

Yes, absolutely. You should always get multiple bids for any roofing projects if at all possible. First, most reputable roofers will offer free estimates, so it won’t cost you anything more than the time it takes to meet with each contractor. You’ll get a range of prices which you can use to weed out those that are too cheap to be true. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet multiple roofers and get a feel for how they do business before you sign any agreements.

Should I Ask For References?

This is something many customers will overlook or skip entirely feeling they’re being too pushy or intrusive. However, nothing could be further from the truth when you’re dealing with a reputable roofing contractor. We take pride in the service we’ve provided our customers, so we’re thrilled when someone wants to check up on us. Here are a few questions to consider asking references:

How communicative was the contractor during their project?
Were there any issues when the work was being completed?
Was the team respectful? Were they on time each day?
Were the workers conscious of personal and public safety?
Did the contractor clean up the worksite prior to leaving?
Does the finished work still meet your expectations?

Is Checking Trade References Important?

Yes, and we cannot stress that enough. Trade references come from the vendors and suppliers the contractor uses to complete their projects and any refusal to share this information is probably an indication of an issue they don’t want you to know about. These references will give you some insight into the contractor’s current financial status and ensure you don’t choose a contractor who can’t pay for the materials needed for your project. Inquire about their history with the specific vendor or supplier – including their payment history, any open balances, and their credit status.

What Process Delivers The Best New Roof Installation?

While there is no concrete answer to this question, we can share our own process and why we feel it’s important when installing a new roof. First, we schedule a meeting to discuss the new construction with all the stakeholders. This allows us to define our communication channels, identify where equipment will be placed during construction, timelines for starting and finishing, etc. In short, we get all the details hammered out long before we arrive on your property to install you brand new roof.

Do I Need To Remove My Old Roof Prior To New Roof Installation?

This is a tough question we’re asked all the time by customers looking to save money during installation. We understand it’s an expensive project and will always do what we can to save clients money. To that end, it’s important to note that a mortgage inspection will uncover and flag a three-layer roof making sale of the property impossible until the roof is torn off and replaced. So, it’s really a question of whether you’ll sell your property one day. If so, tearing away the old roof will need to be done to protect your investment.

Should I Use Off-Brand Materials If My Contractor Suggests It?

This is the simplest question to answer of any we’re ever asked – No. Never, ever use off-brand materials when it comes to your roofing. Roofing materials aren’t like clothing or food products. A generic version isn’t the same as a name brand – especially when it comes to testing. The industry’s trusted brands all have an extensive history of proving their claims and backing up their products with meaningful guarantees and warranties. Off-brands can’t compete with that kind of commitment to quality.

Is One Flat Roofing Material Better Than Others?

In truth, the best flat roofing material depends entirely on your structure, its uses, and the wear and tear you expect it to undergo on a yearly basis. Some materials will meet your structure’s requirements better than others. Some will be less expensive for your structure than others. We could go on and on. This means it’s imperative you speak with a knowledgeable roofing contractor prior to making your final decision. Our expertise could save you headaches later on.

What Is The Cost For An Installed Flat Roof?

The answer to this question depends on the materials being used and the size and complexity of the structure itself. Every roof is different, but when all factors are taken into consideration a flat roof is about the same price as a traditional pitched roof. However, it pays to speak with a licensed roofing pro as a range of factors can influence pricing. These include:

Dimension: Removal, Replacement, Re-Roof
Total Number of Walls & Penetrations
Labor & Manufacturer Warranty Length
Expected Lifespan of Roofing

Do Flat Roofs Leak More Than Sloped Roofing?

No. Flat roofing is not more apt to leak than traditional pitched or low-slope roofing. The horror stories you’ve read come from shoddy workmanship and poor installation techniques. Believe us, we’ve seen it all when it comes to flat roofing and we still recommend it for a large portion of our clientele. It does a better job of standing up to Chicago winters than shingles. The wind is far less of a factor and, if installed correctly, it takes very little maintenance to keep modern flat roofing materials in tiptop shape for years. So, it’s all about the installation and the contractor you choose to perform it.

Should I Worry About Water Pooling On My Roof?

Standing water on your flat roofing is definitely a bad sign. If there’s pooling water 48 hours after a rain then you have drainage issues and will need a reputable contractor to install new drains or tapered insulation to help move the water away from your roofing material. Much like anything man-made, roofing materials will degrade quickly if left submerged in water, so you need to address this issue immediately upon discovering it.

Do Roof Warranties Have Customer Responsibilities?

This is a fantastic question that can only be answered by a specific warranty’s language. In some states, a manufacturer may require a regular maintenance schedule be adhered to in order to maintain the coverage provided by the warranty. However, this varies from product to product, manufacturer to manufacturer, state to state. One thing that’s true no matter where you are – you have to report issues with the roofing product within 60 days of discovery to ensure the warranty is honored.

Can Snow Cause A Roof Collapse?

This is a complicated answer as it is both yes and no. 99% of snow-caused collapses in and around Chicago are due to other factors being present prior to the snow accumulation. These can include any or all of the following:

Weakened structural integrity due to long-term water damage.
Structural additions not planned during original construction.
Interior modification to structure without corresponding roof modifications.
Structure built before modern building codes and never updated.
Damaged, clogged, or frozen roof drain systems.

Do I Need A Lien Waiver?

This depends on the contractor you choose to work with and how comfortable you are with their references and background. A lien waiver is basically a guarantee you’re given by a contractor that states the materials for your project have been paid for and you cannot be held accountable for any unpaid vendor costs. While you won’t need a lien waiver when working with Roofing by Hernandez, we’ll gladly provide you one to make you more comfortable with our process.

What Areas Do You Serve?

Frequently Asked Questions