Category: Blog Post

Replacing Old Roofs in Green Bay: Roofing Without Overselling

Packerland Team

When your roof is old enough to buy a beer, it’s time for a roof replacement. Roofs typically last 20-25 years, and then it’s time to call Culbertson Construction for a roofing quote. When the roof of this Green Bay house was showing its age, the homeowners called Culbertson Construction. Is it Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof? Here’s How to Tell

old roof of a Green Bay home

3 Signs of an Old Roof

1. Outdated 3-tab Asphalt Shingles

This old roof’s 3-tab shingles were outdated, lightweight, and not as durable as modern asphalt shingles. Roofers like Culbertson Construction now install architectural (dimensional) shingles, instead of 3-tab shingles.

2. Brittle & Lifting Shingles

Asphalt shingles often become brittle and inflexible over the years. Plus, they lose their adhesive bonding, causing them to lift and curl. These roofing issues leave the roof vulnerable to wind and water damage.

3. Damaged & Discolored Shingles

Over time, shingles lose their granules, as the top layer of crushed stone and minerals wears off. Granule loss causes the shingles to discolors. Sun exposure and summer heat can dry out asphalt shingles and bleach them to a lighter shade. How Summer Weather Impacts Your Roof

Fixing This Old Roof

Ben Culbertson has been repairing and replacing old roofs since 1992. As a general contractor, he has the license, knowledge and experience to do the job right the first time. Culbertson Construction completed this roof replacement job without a hitch. First, they ripped the roof down to the sheeting. Once they removed the 3-tab shingles, they found tightly spaced sheeting below that was still in good condition. The crew installed shingles right over the existing sheeting.

Honest Roofing, Real Savings

While some contractors say they need to re-sheet the roof of an old house, Culbertson Construction often roofs right over the existing sheeting. The warranties remain effective, and the client saves a lot of money in labor and material costs. Just because the roofing crew is replacing an old roof on an old house doesn’t mean the crew needs to replace the underlayment every time. It depends on the condition of the sheeting. Culbertson Construction never takes advantage of homeowners by selling them products and services they just don’t need.

Contact Ben Culbertson for a Free Consultation

If your roof is 20-25 years old, contact Culbertson Construction, Green Bay, for a complimentary roofing consultation and fair, affordable estimate. We repair and replace old roofs on homes, condos, and town houses in Green Bay, Appleton, the Fox Cities, Door County, and other locations in Northeast Wisconsin. Call Ben Culbertson today.

A Roof with Moss Requires Immediate Action in Northeast Wisconsin

Packerland Team

You probably have heard the saying, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” As a general contractor specializing in roofing, Culbertson Construction offers a different twist on this mossy proverb.
“A healthy roof gathers no moss.” When our construction crew sees a roof with moss and lichens growing, it’s a sure sign of roofing damage. Moisture is the culprit. A roof needs many hours of direct sunlight to remain dry and mold-proof. In Wisconsin, the north side of a house is more susceptible to moisture problems than the south side because the south side receives more direct sunlight. Plus, moss and lichens grow faster on homes located on wooded lots and waterfronts because of the amount of shade and moisture in the air.

lichens and moss on roof in Suamico, Wisconsin, north of Green Bay

Roof Inspection Uncovers Moisture Damage

Recently, Culbertson Construction snapped photos of a roof with moss and lichens growing in Suamico, Wisconsin. The homeowner wanted to sell the property, and the homeowner’s real estate agent contacted Ben Culbertson, owner of Culbertson Construction, for a free roofing consultation. Ben Culbertson is a general contractor who has been roofing since the 1990s. He performed a roof inspection and quickly noticed that a layer of protective mineral granules was missing from the shingles. The shingles were now exposed to water damage and UV rays. Plus, moss and lichens were living on the shingles.

Respond Quickly to a Roof with Moss Growing

If left alone, the rooftop lichens will eat their way down to the sheeting, potentially causing leaks. If moss and lichens damage the sheeting, homeowners need to replace the sheeting, which substantially increases cost of a roof replacement project. Don’t let your house roof get to this point! Inspect your roof for yellow and green spots at least once a year.

New Roof Installation in Suamico, Wisconsin

Culbertson Construction replaced the roof of this Suamico house, and the real estate agent upped the asking price because of the roofing upgrade. The family that bought the home got a bonus: a new roof professionally installed to meet manufacturer’s recommendations and warranty requirements. That new roof with last 20-25 years.

Contact Ben Culbertson for a Free Consultation

Moss and lichens grow in moist places, including the rooftops of homes, condos, and town houses in Green Bay, Appleton, the Fox Cities, Door County, and other locations in Northeast Wisconsin. Inspect your roof, and if you see any signs of moisture damage, contact Culbertson Construction, Green Bay, for a complimentary roofing consultation and fair, affordable estimate. We replace leaky, storm-damaged, and aging roofs throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Give us a call today.

5 Tips: How to Avoid Scams for Storm Damage Roof Repair

Packerland Team
A roof that has a hole in it - avoid scams and hire a reputable roofing contractor

A total of 13 tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin on June 15, causing millions of dollars in property damage. Our crew at Culbertson Construction is busy repairing and replacing roofs that were damaged in the storm. With many homeowners needing roof repairs right now, we wanted to offer some timely professional advice. We want to let homeowners know how they can save money and reduce the hassle of roof repair caused by storm damage.

Be Wary of Inferior Roofing Contractors & Lowball Roofing Quotes

Unfortunately, it’s easy to be taken advantage of by inferior roofing contractors looking to make a quick buck. Although you want to move quickly to complete roof repairs, it’s important to take the time to compare estimates from several contractors. Although you might be tempted to hire the roofing contractors with the lowest quote, don’t base your decision exclusively on price. Also consider the company’s reputation, experience, warranties, professionalism and approach to customer service.

Sometimes, storm damage is as obvious as shingles in the yard that blew off the house in strong winds. If it’s not that obvious, climb a ladder to inspect the roof. Look for hail-dented, cracked, torn, missing or damaged shingles on the roof. Check the gutters and downspouts for debris. Signs of wind and storm damage might appear indoors as well. You might see brown, gray or yellow water streaks or water spotting, cracked or peeling wallpaper or damp ceilings and rafters. Take photos to document the storm damage.

Once you verify that your roof sustained storm, hail or wind damage, it’s time to do some research. Read your homeowner’s insurance, so you know exactly what roof damage your policy covers. Some insurance companies will cut a check for a full roof replacement while others will cover only roof patching. Contact your insurance agent to make a homeowners insurance claim. In most circumstances, an insurance adjuster will stop by to inspect the roof’s condition and any storm damage that occurred.

Unfortunately, fly-by-night roofers often show up immediately after a major storm. Although these contractors may be legitimate, don’t be fooled. There are several ways to know you’re getting quality workmanship and long-lasting products. Before hiring a roofing contractor to repair storm damage:

• Do an online search using the contractor’s name and the business name. Check the reviews, website, and Facebook page for information that demonstrates the company’s credibility, history, and commitment to quality workmanship and products. Bottom line, look for signs of a reputable roofing company. Avoid scammers that leave you with leaks and expensive roof repairs and reconstruction down the road.

• Confirm that the roofer is licensed and insured.

• Select a Wisconsin-based roofer, instead of an out-of-state roofing contractor. This is especially important if, in a few years, you need a replacement shingle or other follow-up repairs. A local roofer can easily accommodate your request, for example, for a lost shingle.

First of all, don’t pay upfront for roof repair work. By paying out-of-pocket before the work begins, you run the risk that the roofer isn’t legitimate and doesn’t complete the work. Instead, work with your insurance agent to handle the claim for storm damage.

Culbertson Construction is a family-owned and family-operated construction company that’s been in business for over 20 years. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Culbertson Construction is fully insured and licensed in the state. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, the roofing contractor is a BBB Accredited Business. Contact Ben Culbertson for a quote for storm damage or roofs, siding, windows, and doors for homes and commercial buildings in Northeast Wisconsin, Green Bay and Appleton, the Fox Valley and surrounding communities.