Installing Rooftop Solar Panels Billings MT

What You Need to Know Before Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

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Installing solar panels on your property’s roof are one major way to show your commitment to an environmentally friendly lifestyle – and they can save you money on energy bills. Let’s look at a few things to consider before purchasing solar panels for your property.

Installing Rooftop Solar Panels Billings MT

Call in a Professional

Before you can install solar panels on your roof, you’ll need a construction professional to conduct a property assessment. They will examine your roof and home for structural issues or other problems that could pose a risk and make it unsafe or more costly to install solar panels. It’s possible that roof repairs or replacement may have to happen before solar panels can be installed. 

Do Your Research

Solar is an industry that’s growing at an incredible rate. There are many manufacturers offering dozens of different types of solar panels. Make a point to compare the different types of panels so you’re able to choose ones that are ideal for your particular property. Request a quote from several different companies, then add in shipping and installation costs in order to compare pricing between types and manufacturers.

Assess the Costs for Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

Installation is likely to be your biggest expense outside the cost of the solar panels themselves. Be sure to find an installer with a history of happy clients and an excellent reputation. Solar panels are durable and rarely need replacing, but might need general maintenance and repair at some point. In order to save costs over the long term, try to find a solar panel installer that provides a discount to existing customers for these services.
 

Remember Your Rebates for Installing Rooftop Solar Panels

Under the Energy Policy Act established in 2005, federal tax credits for solar panels can be as much as 30 percent of the cost of purchase and installation. Your state and county may also offer rebates to homeowners who install solar panels. 

Bruce Tall Construction is the top roofing contractor in Billings, Montana. Please contact us today for all of your roofing needs!

Roofing Contractor Billings MT

How to Find The Right Roofing Contractor

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Choosing the right roofing contractor is harder than it sounds, and there’s a lot riding on your choice, because if work isn’t done just right, your home could suffer interior damage, and you could be faced with the need for re-work. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice on this very important decision.Roofing Contractor Billings MT

Good communications

As you go through the negotiation process with a roofing contractor, make note of how communicative they are. For instance, your phone calls should be returned promptly, there should be good follow-up from them on unresolved questions, and they should be easy to reach. When you are talking with them, they should be clear about the work and not give you evasive-sounding answers. When you don’t have good communications right from the outset, it’s not likely to improve as work progresses, and you might well end up unhappy and unsatisfied.

Willing to provide job details in writing

Be sure to have written specifications for what your roofing job entails and how long that work will take. If your contractor candidate is unwilling to provide you with these, it’s a sign that they lack confidence in their own processes, and a sign that you should steer clear.

Local Roofing Contractor

A great number of homeowners have been fleeced by roofing contractors who promised fast, reliable work, and then disappear into thin air after shoddy workmanship is complete. You can avoid this scenario by choosing a local contractor who is a member of the community, and has a solid reputation in that area.

Covered by insurance

It is essential that your contractor is covered for workmen’s compensation, and has liability insurance. No one ever expects accidents to happen on the job, but they do happen all the same, and you’ll want to know that such unanticipated eventualities are covered. 

Don’t be swayed by price

For sure, you’ll be able to find a roofing contractor who is willing to do the work for far less than most other roofers – but in practically all such cases, you’ll also be getting far less in return. A guarantee of good workmanship from a somewhat more expensive contractor can be a lot cheaper in the long run, than having to do the same work over again by a cheaper bidder.

Bruce Tall Construction is the top roofing contractor in Billings, Montana. Please contact us today for all of your roofing needs!

roof ventilation billings mt

Does Your Home Need Roof Ventilation?

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Roof ventilation is a subject that is often misunderstood by homeowners. While some ventilation is great for circulating air through your attic and lowering your energy bills, it pays to know how much roof ventilation you really need – or if you need any at all. Here are some tips that can help you make that decision.

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You Live in an Area with Harsh Winters

Winter is always a harsh season for roofs and attics. Not only can too much snow on a roof cause it to collapse, but it’s all too easy to experience a leak from ice dams. This can cause a lot of moisture to build up in your attic, which can lead to problems such as water damage and mold. Proper roof ventilation can improve air flow in your attic and help mitigate any moisture problems you may be experiencing, but you need to be careful that you don’t have too much ventilation. That might only give you more places where your roof can leak.

You Experience Exceptionally Hot Summers

Proper roof ventilation can keep your attic cool and lower your air conditioning bills, but it could also help keep your roof in good shape. An unventilated attic can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees in some parts of the country, and that kind of heat can cause shingles and other roofing materials to become damaged. It probably won’t ruin your entire roof, but you will need to replace your shingles sooner rather than later.

Speak to a Roofing Professional

It can be difficult to determine how much or how little roof ventilation you will need. Each home has its own requirements and its own quirks, so it is in your best interest to contact a roofing professional for advice. They will be able to tell you how much ventilation your roof will need as well as any problems you may experience should you have improper ventilation. There are bound to be plenty of professional licensed roofers in your area, so take some time to look around if you want to learn more about what is best for your family’s home.

If you have any further questions about your roof’s ventilation or any roofing questions, call Bruce Tall Construction today.

Billings Top Roofer

Spring Cleaning the Roof Checklist

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Spring is nearly here, and with melting snow comes the opportunity to check out your roof and give your gutters a thorough cleaning. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends a roof checkup twice each year – once each in the fall and spring. Here is a guide to what to look out for when you’re performing your spring roof cleaning.

Billings Top Roofer

Start Indoors
 You can begin your spring roof cleaning by checking your ceilings. Sometimes stains are simply due to snow or ice dams that have accumulated on the roof. But, they may indicate a larger issue. Once you identify any water stains, you know to check your roof for potential damage.

Check Your Gutters
Part of the spring cleaning of your roof should involve a thorough inspection of your house’s gutters. If gutters are clogged, it can lead to overflow. Overflowing gutters can cause basement flooding as well as foundation damage. Remove anything clogging your home’s gutters – leaves, twigs, and other debris is likely to have accumulated over the winter. While you’re cleaning your gutter, look for corrosion or holes. Holes in your gutter can be caulked or plugged. If you notice a section of your gutter sagging, it’s likely due to spikes that are loose or missing. Tighten these up or replace as needed. Don’t forget to inspect your downspouts, too.

If major – or even minor – repairs are needed, you may want to call in a professional contractor for the job.

Inspect Your Roof
 There’s more to check on your roof than the shingles, though that’s a great place to start. Shingles can be damaged or blown off during the winter. Replace any shingles that are cracked, loose, or missing.

Check the flashing around plumbing vents, chimneys, and skylights for damage. If you notice rust forming on any metal roof parts, use a wire brush to remove the rust, then coat with primer and paint. Take time to make sure coping, fascia, or other metal roof edging is undamaged and secure. If you find that your roof edging is in need of repair, call a roofing contractor for an inspection and potential repair. An unsecured roof can be badly damaged in a severe weather situation.

If you have any further questions about spring cleaning your roof or any roofing questions, call Bruce Tall Construction today.

beware of storm chaser roofing contractors

Storm Chasers Vs. Bruce Tall Construction

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Living in Montana, we are the perfect breeding ground for the post-storm blight known as “storm chasers.”

What’s a “Storm Chaser?” Following bouts of severe weather, these unscrupulous contractors descend upon unsuspecting Montanans like a plague of locusts.

Unlicensed and uninsured, these out-of-town contractors don’t care about the quality of their work. Storm Chasers just want to make a quick buck. Once your check clears, they don’t care anymore. They are gone and if you have any problems with your roof, well you are on your own and will have to pay someone else to fix it.

Storm Chasers simply want to get in and get out. Take everyone’s money and move on. And those are the nice ones!

Believe it or not there are even worse storm chasers, they will scare homeowner’s worse, scaring homeowners into paying large sums of money up front and then they leave town without doing any of the work. You are stuck because you don’t have enough information on who they really are or where they are really from.

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How Do You Spot Storm Chasers

  1. Check their license plates.

A company with out-of-state license plates is bad news. They don’t have register their vehicles with the State of Montana because they’re not moving here. They are here temporarily.

  1. Ask for a business address.

Most storm chasers will set up a P.O. Box instead of an actual office. Do they have a brick and mortar location? Ask for that address.

  1. Check with the Better Business Bureau.

If they aren’t listed with the Better Business Bureau chances are that they haven’t been in business long enough or they are a fly by night operation.

  1. Do they have a website and online reviews?

Do an internet search and see what is being said about them.

So how can you protect yourself from Storm Chasers?

It’s really easy really. Whenever hiring a contractor, always ask for three key documents:

* Contractor’s License
* Proof of Liability Insurance
* Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance

A contractor’s license is common knowledge. Without a license, you have no idea if this person or company is even qualified to replace your roof. This should be a prerequisite for the other required documents.

Make sure that provide proof of liability insurance! No matter who your roofing contractor is, you should always ask for proof of liability insurance. Roofing insurance is expensive because little mistakes can lead to costly repairs. Repairs that can be covered by Liability Insurance and not by you!

And finally check to see if they have Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If a worker falls off your roof and he’s not covered by worker’s compensation, guess who’s held responsible? You are! So protect yourself!

Even if you say that you didn’t they weren’t insured, you are still liable. The responsibility falls on the homeowner.

Why you should use Local Contractors

Local contractors like Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer, rely on their reputation and referrals for business. A quality job and a happy customer are the lifeblood of Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofing Company! Dishonest local contractors do not stay in business.

Bruce Tall Construction has served the greater Billings area for over 15 years. We’ve worked hard to build our reputation as an honest, reliable roofing contractor. There are no unknowns with us. When you hire Bruce Tall Construction, you’re hiring a roofing contractor with an extensive history of quality work and customer satisfaction.

If your home or business suffered damage in the latest hail storm, please contact Bruce Tall Construction, today! Billings Best Roofer!

roofing billings mt

How To Pay For Your New Roof

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One of the things that we see over and over again is people who put off home projects for as long as they can. And truthfully, we are just as guilty. We all want put off projects that cost thousands of dollars for as long as possible. At Bruce Tall Construction, we understand this. That is why we do our best to make roofing, siding and gutters affordable for our customers.

How To Pay For Your New Roof

For many home owners, the insurance will pay for it if your roof has been damaged by hailstorms or wind. You would have to pay the deductible. That is much better than the entire amount. And did you know that you can purchase an Umbrella Policy with your home owner’s policy and that policy will cover your deductible. An Umbrella Policy just costs a few dollars a month and it’s worth it. So if your Insurance Agent hasn’t talked to you about an Umbrella Policy, then ask for one!

If your roof wasn’t damaged and it’s not covered by insurance, then you could take out a Home Equity Loan for the repairs or a small loan. The best solution is to have a savings account. Set aside for home emergencies like your air conditioner repairs  or a new furnace. Just putting a little amount of money in a savings account each month can really come in handy when these unexpected expenses arise.

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Please contact Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer for all of your roofing needs. We can help you with your Insurance Company or help you figure out which payment option is best for you!

Billings Best Roofer

Summer Storms and Roof Damage

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The summer is just around the corner here in Billings, and while the warmer days and longer night conjure such an appealing daydream, it also means that it is the time of year for dramatic hail storms, violent lightning storms, and even possible tornadoes.  It is not all that bad, unless you are one of those who has had to struggle with an insurance company to cover their end of a replacement roof.  If you think you have damage to your roof from a storm, give Bruce Tall Construction a call to assess your roof for you, and Bruce Tall Construction can even help you to take the next steps with your insurance company to ensure that your home stays protected from the elements with a functional roof.  It’s important to document damages to the roof immediately, so that insurance companies don’t have questions as to when or how the damage may have occurred. 

Determine if your roof has been damaged

You can easily check most of the roof from the street for most homes.  While it is beneficial to walk the roof and check for damage up close, the roof can be a dangerous place, and it may be best to call a professional for an up close inspection.  But, if you want to do the preliminary check on your own, head out to the street or backyard—if you’re in the street please be sure to check for cars—and inspect the roof.  The repetitive blast from hailstones can take out entire sections of asphalt shingles.  Also, shingles will bruise or dent from hail, although these dents or bruises are not always visible, so, it might be beneficial to have a set of binoculars to check the roof.  Also, one important sign of damage to a roof with asphalt shingles is to check the downspouts of gutter for grit that has been pelted from the shingles during the storm.  Even if you cannot see damage from the street, in the event that there is grit from the shingles either in the downspouts, on the ground at the base of downspouts, or in the gutters, it may be time to call a professional to check the roof.  If you have spotted damage to your roof post-storm, make sure to document the damage, if possible, with photographs.   

If your home or business suffered damage in the latest hail storm, please contact Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer today!

New Roof Flashings Billings MT

Insist Upon Installation of New Roof Flashings

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Are you having your roof replaced after the recent hail storms? If so, please make sure that your roofer is license and bonded. Also insist upon installation of new roof flashings.

When your roof is replaced, some contractors will “re-use” and not replace the metal roof flashings. Flashings are where the roof comes together with the siding and around skylights and chimneys as well.

Insist Upon Installation of New Roof Flashings

It does take extra time to replace those flashings, especially when those flashings are embedded behind stucco siding. That is why they often get overlooked. At Bruce Tall Construction, we always take the extra time for all of our clients.

If flashings are overlooked, your roof can leak. Most leaks typically occur at the flashings. Flashings are without a doubt one of the most critical components of the roof. We are Billings Best Roofers and we routinely replace the old roof flashngs, no matter how difficult the task.

Remember when you’re searching for a roofer, the cheapest bid may not always be the best bid. Ask if they are going to replace the flashings, especially where the roof comes together with the siding. Get it in writing. If this gets overlooked, your new roof could leak and deteriorate much quicker.

Please contact Bruce Tall Construction in Billings MT for all of your Roofing needs.

Billings Roofing Contractor Services

Billings Roofing Contractor Services

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A roof is one of the most important parts of a structure. If it’s damaged during a storm or needs to be repaired because existing materials are very old, it’s necessary to hire a team of experts who have versatility and relevant knowledge.

At Bruce Tall Construction we pride ourselves on showing accountability, reliability and a commitment to giving excellent results whether we’re handling an extensive roof repair or only replacing small components to give your home more curb appeal. When you hire Bruce Tall Construction, be confident you’re hiring the very best roofing contractors for your unique needs.

Billings Roofing Contractor Services

Roofing Installation Billings MT
Roof Repair & Maintenance Billings MT
Roof Inspection Billings MT
Gutter Services Billings MT

Hail & Storm Damage

Restore hail damage Billings, MT and surrounding areas. Even if it doesn’t shatter glass or total your car, hail can cause significant and lasting damage to your home or property. Bruce Tall Construction knows how to identify, assess, and restore hail damage to all building materials.

 Please contact Bruce Tall Construction in Billings MT for all of your Roofing needs.

 

roofing installation and repair billings mt

Billings Best Roofer

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Billings Best Roofer

 For a new roof at a professional standard, you will need a reliable and experienced Billings Roofer. Bruce Tall Construction can provide the high quality results that you are looking for at an affordable price. We can install custom roofs and help you to deal with your Insurance Company.  We are local and fully licensed and insured to provide your roofing installations, repair work, roof and gutter maintenance and much more. From basic leaky roof repairs and to complete roof replacements, you can depend on Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer to get the job done on time and on budget. We are the Aurora roofers with an excellent eye for detail and a commitment to quality products and service.

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Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer specialize in both residential and commercial roofing. We can install specialized low sloping roofing designed with commercial buildings in mind, or you can choose from our wide range of traditional slates, tiles and shingles. If your industrial storage buildings needs a roof or you have a school gym that needs a roof, we can help you.

roofing installation and repair billings mt

We also provide roofs for office developments and churches, wherever a roof is needed, our team can get the job done. If your home or business suffered damage in the latest hail storm, please contact Bruce Tall Construction, Billings Best Roofer today!