Contractor Insights: Brock Cadwallader, Summit Construction Group

Brock Cadwallader, owner of Summit Construction Group, answers homeowners' top questions about roofing.

Wish you could have five minutes with a qualified roofer? We’re giving you that opportunity! In our “Contractor Insights” feature we bring you direct responses from leading roofers to questions every homeowner should be thinking about. This month we’re featuring Brock Cadwallader, co-owner of Summit Construction Group out of Edina, Minnesota.

Q: What are the top three things homeowners should ask a roofer about when looking for a replacement roof?

A: First, ask the roofer which roofing system they recommend for your house…and why. A good roofer should be able to give you valuable insights on different product options to fit both the functional and aesthetic needs of your home, at a variety of different budget levels.

Second, ask the roofer about his process. Learn about the timeframe of the project, what will happen, who is involved, the insurance elements, the crew and all aspects of the project. You want to gain a start-to-finish understanding of how the roofer conducts his business.

Third, and this is the most important, is to ask a roofer about their warranty. The warranty on the roofing material is different from the warranty on the work done on the roof. For example, in Minnesota, the state requires a contractor to offer a minimum one-year warranty coverage on work. Most companies offer a 1 to 10 year workmanship warranty. Our company offers a lifetime warranty on our craftsmanship on steep slope roofs. Seek out and find the roofing company that offers you the strongest workmanship warranty.

Q: Why should homeowners seriously consider composite roofing when looking for a roof?

A: Composite roofing is super durable, holds up well against wind, hail and UV rays. It looks good, and most manufacturers offer multiple styles that replicate traditional slate and wood shake roofs. Importantly, it’s lighter in weight, so it doesn’t require additional structural support like many heavy slate or tile products. While it’s far from a cheap option, it won’t necessarily break your budget. It really needs to be thought of as a long-term investment for your home.

Q: What are your best “homeowner survival tips” for getting through a roofing installation?

A: There’s a lot going on during a roofing project. In a perfect world, people and animals would not be outside at all during this project. But life can’t stop for a new roof. So, talk to your roofer in advance about the safest way to get in and out of your home. Plan ahead not to use your driveway, because it could be full of nails. Also, work with your roofer in advance to identify valuable landscaping elements so they can protect them and come up with a plan to avoid damage.

Q: If there’s storm damage involved to a roof, what tips do you have for a homeowner working with an insurance adjuster?

A: I recommend involving a contractor before the insurance company. You may want to have someone come out to your home to give you an opinion as to whether there is enough damage to warrant a claim. If there is, the homeowner, contractor and adjuster should work together as a team to get the property restored.

Q: Why has your company chosen to recommend DaVinci composite roofing to your customers?

A: DaVinci is our composite roofing manufacturer of choice for a few reasons. They produce the best and most realistic looking product compared to other options in the market. They offer a diversified product line, giving us the ability to provide a custom look specifically tailored to each client’s home. And, their support staff is very helpful. Overall, we feel DaVinci provides the best value for our customers in both the short and long term.

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