International Roofing Expo 2020: Big Past, Bigger Future
February 4-6
Kay Bailey Hutichison Convention Center
Dallas, Texas
Along with 14,000 other roofing professionals we headed to Dallas, TX for the industry’s largest event – the International Roofing Expo®️. We made connections with tons of new vendors, browsed & tested out new products, networked with other contractors, and spent three days attending various educational sessions which will help us to grow and improve our business.
Some highlights: checking out the new GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, participating in the GAF Strikezone Challenge (lots of pics of this and a video), Haag’s material testing lab / hail ball machine, NRCA’s Fall Protection from A to Z course, NWIR’s How to Get Women on the Roof panel, and of course…free swag!
How Snow and Ice Impact Your Roof

What to Look for in a Roofer
Different Types of Shingles

Questions to Ask Your Roofer
contractor, to ensure that you are well-informed about the process.
Replacing a roof is a big decision. It is a big investment and you want to make sure everything is done just right. So if you have a roof replacement coming up soon, continue reading for the questions you should be asking your - How long have you been in business? If it’s a company with a well-established business, it is likely to be more trustworthy and more likely to answer for its work.
- Do you have a list of references? The company should be happy to provide you with a list of resources and previous work done to show how reputable they are.
- Do you offer any guarantees? Find a roofing contractor who offers you a guarantee. A written guarantee from your contractor is highly important, in case any problem with the installation of the roof or with the material should occur. With a guarantee, you can ensure yourself that the contractor will take care of whatever problems may occur.
- What is included in the cost of the job? Is removal of old roofing materials included? Are there any exclusions or extra costs associated with this job? These are all good questions to ask. Any roofer should be upfront and straight forward with their quotes.
- Are you insured and licensed?
In asking this question, you make sure that you are working with contractors that are qualified within the industry. You can also ask about worker’s compensation and liability, in order to avoid the risk of being left with a roofer that has no insurance coverage.
- How are your workers trained? Find out what training or skills are demanded of the workers in the company. Also, if the workers are provided with any safety training programs. The way the workers that are employed are treated, says a lot about a company.
- Do you provide a written contract? A last thing to remember, is to get a written contract. This should include important dates, the scope of the project, as well of a list of all costs and materials.
Adding Curb Appeal to Your Home
We all know it – A beautiful looking face makes us remember it. The same goes for real estate. The exterior of a house can make or break a home sale and either make your very interested, or not interested at all. Continue reading, for some things that a homeowner can do to add curb appeal to a house when trying to sell it.
When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are everything. The exterior, including the roof, siding, windows, doors, yard, driveway etc., should work as a preview of what is to come when potential buyers enter the house. Homeowners often get so used to certain defects on their house, that they forget to think of the impact it has on other people – that is why acting like a buyer is definitely a great idea, because in this way, you might notice something that you never really paid attention to before.
First of all, a good idea is to give your roof a second glance. A roof is something buyers definitely notice, because should it be in poor condition, a buyer will quickly think how a replacement is a big investment. You should check for any missing shingles, if it’s dingy and if there are any leaks? A thorough cleaning or, in some cases, a roof replacement will indeed increase your house’s curb appeal.
Next, a new beautiful siding can help bring together the outside of your house. Is your siding worn-out, or are some pieces missing? Then it might be time to change it up.
But if your budget doesn’t reach that far, pressure-washing the siding is an extremely cost-efficient way to add curb appeal to your house. It can help remove all dirt, and make the siding of your house look fresh and clean. Pressure-washing also works very well for decks, driveways and walkways, to get rid of the dirt that is degrading your curb appeal.
Just like a new roof is a big investment that buyers will add to their evaluation of your house, the same goes for new windows and doors. Check that your windows and doors are working properly, that they are unaffected by leakage and clean – this will make the first impression of your house so much better.
If you are looking to sell your house and need help with roofing, remodeling or home improvement, we at Biniek would love to help you! Contact us online today, or give us a call at 717486-7530!