Dealing with roofing issues can be a daunting process. We’re sure you have many questions about the commercial roofing process, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about M. Gottfried, Inc., roofing, warranties, repairs, maintenance, and the roofing process.
General Frequently asked questions about our company
Do you work with general contractors?
Yes, depending on the project, we work with general contractors, construction managers, roof consultants, architects, or directly with a building owner.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes, we are fully insured and carry general liability, workers compensation, Auto, as well as other forms and types of insurance.
Are you licensed?
Yes, we have a State of Connecticut Major Contractors license, State of Connecticut Home Improvement license, and are prequalified with the state of Connecticut for major projects.
What other licenses or certificates do you have?
We are certified by the State of Connecticut as a SBE, or Small Business Enterprise, and we have are a CERC, Certified Environmentally Responsible Contractor
My building/project not only has a flat roof, but also a sloped roof. Can you do that too?
Yes, in additional to flat roofs, we also do slate, shingle and metal sloped roofs.
I have a house with a commercial style flat roof. Will you work on it?
Yes, we will bring the same quality and attention to detail that we do on our commercial projects to your residential flat roof.
I have a large project. Can I break it up into sections?
Breaking up a project into sections depends on layout and construction of the properties roof. Are there penthouses, expansion joints, different levels, etc., i.e. things that will form natural boundaries and starting and stopping points? We would be happy to come to your property and evaluate the roof to see if it can be broken up. We may even find that not all the areas have to be replaced, and some only need maintenance!
How can I find out more about M. Gottfried, Inc.?
Please visit our homepage: mgottfried.com to discover more about who we are and what makes us leaders in the roofing industry.
Have more questions? Give us a call at 203-323-8173 or Contact us and we’ll answer your questions right away.
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“… I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for a superb job done by your crews”
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Frequently asked questions about roof warranties
I have a manufacturer’s warranty; doesn’t that mean I don’t have to do anything to my roof for the life of the warranty?
No, roofs need maintenance regardless of the warranty status. Warranties do not cover preventative maintenance or repairs due to damage. Storms can cause debris to blow on a roof. These can make holes in a roof. That type of damage is not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Occasionally a service person drops a tool, or a removed access door to a unit puts a cut in the roof. That is also not covered. We have even seen instances where birds or animals peck or claw holes in the roof. Repairing this is also the Owners responsibility.
If my warranty does not cover maintenance, what does it cover?
First look at the type of warranty that you have. Some cover material only; others are labor and material. Material only warranties will provide you with some material if a leak is caused by a material failure. Labor to make the repairs is not included. Labor and material warranties will cover the labor and material necessary to repair a leak. Some warranties are prorated over time, others are “No Dollar Limit” for the duration of the warranty period.
The manufacturer’s warranty will cover (to the extent of the type of warranty issued), the repair of a leak caused by a material defect or installation problem.
What if I see a lap or penetration flashing starting to open but I do not have a leak? Will that be covered if I call the manufacturer?
If the problem is from regular aging and not a defect, the owner is responsible for the maintenance to repair the item.
See our blog on roof maintenance and warranties for more information→
Have more questions? Give us a call at 203-323-8173 or Contact us and we’ll answer your questions right away.
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“… your quote to service the roof at — is accepted…you have done a great job maintaining the roof for the building Owner…”
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Frequently asked questions about roof maintenance, repairs and replacement
My roof leaks, does that mean that I have to replace it?
No, lots of time we can repair leaks and your roof can last for many more years. M. Gottfried, Inc. can come to your property, inspect the roof for leaks, provide a proposal for the roof repairs. We can also evaluate your roof and determine a roof maintenance plan to keep your roof at peak performance, or, if the roof is at the end of its life span, develop a proposal for a new roof.
Is roof maintenance necessary on a commercial style roof?
Yes, just like mechanical systems, cars or anything exposed to the weather, commercial style roofs need maintenance. The sun, heat, cold, storms, technicians servicing roof top units – all add wear and tear, and can physically damage a roofing system. Proper periodic maintenance can identify problems caused by these factors and either repair potential leaks or address problems before they start.
I don’t have any leaks. Why do I need to do roof maintenance?
Regularly scheduled roof inspection and preventative maintenance is meant to find potential problems before they cause leaks and stop problems you may not be aware of.
Sometimes cuts or holes in a roof don’t show up as a leak right away. Sometimes the underlying insulation or insulation facers absorb water so small leaks don’t show up inside. As more water is taken in, the roof membrane can become unadhered, the insulation can get soft, and a host of other problems can develop. By the time the leak appears inside the building, it is too late, and a large repair is necessary.
Preventive maintenance will also address items like age related seam or flashing shrinkage or bridging. Repairing these before they get to bad will prevent potential leaks and all the aggravation and problems caused by leaks.
During preventive maintenance visits, the roof is cleaned from debris. Debris on a roof can blow in storms and make holes or collect around and clog drains. Clogged drains causes water to build up on roofs where it not only adds weight, but could find its way into low penetrations, and cause added stress on old seams and flashings.
How often do you recommend roof maintenance inspections and preventative maintenance?
We usually recommend maintenance twice a year, once in the spring after the winter/spring storms are done and the leaves/pollen are out, and then again in the fall after the leaves are down and the summer’s sun is done baking the roof. Of course, an owner can have inspections/maintenance done more times or fewer times depending on location of the building, uses of the building, and financial considerations.
Can anyone perform roof maintenance inspections and repairs?
No, roof maintenance inspections and repairs should be done by a trained roofing professional. Roofing work is dangerous. People must be trained in safety and protection when working or going on roofs. Roofing materials are made by different manufacturers. A trained professional can identify the type of roof system present, and perform the repairs using materials compatible and appropriate for the type of system and materials present. If incompatible or improper materials are used, not only could the manufacturer’s warranty be voided at the repairs, but the roof membrane could be damaged by chemical reactions from incompatible materials.
M Gottfried, Inc., is licensed and trained by most of the major roofing manufacturers. We have served the Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield County regions of Connecticut and Westchester County New York since 1947. Our skilled technicians are well versed in the proper procedures and use of materials to maintain your roof and keep it performing at its peak performance whether it is recently installed, in its middle years or aging toward the end of its useful life expectancy.
Find our more about our roof maintenance services→
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“… Thank you for being such a good company. I received the below message from the client. I knew you were a good company. Now my client knows.
“Roof inspector will be out around 9:30-10 to walk the roof again. The roofing vendor you picked is one of his favorites! He said they do great work.””
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What’s my next step?
Call M. Gottfried, Inc. at 203-323-8173, or email us at info@mgottfried.com and discover more about who we are and what makes us leaders in the roofing industry.
Please Email and let us know your needs,
or call us with your questions at 203-323-8173
Choose M. Gottfried, Inc. for all your roofing needs
M. Gottfried, Inc. 89 Research Drive Stamford, CT 06906