Contractor insights: Carnie Fryfogle III – CR3 American Exteriors

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

When it’s time for a new roof — whether a planned project or because of storm damage — you’re thrown into the deep end of the pool.

Many homeowners only purchase a new roof once or twice in their lifetimes. That’s why we’ve created “Contractor Insights.” This feature provides down-to-earth information on key areas of roofing every homeowner should know. This month Carnie Fryfogle III, CEO of CR3 American Exteriors out of Pennsylvania offers his insights to help you out.

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

A: First, always ask for at least three references of customers that had similar projects done. This helps ensure the contractor is qualified to do the intended scope of work on your home and has done so before in a timely and workmanlike manner.

Second, ask what warranties comes with the project. Manufacturers often offer a warranty on the products used and contractors furnish customers with a warranty on their installation work. Make sure both these warranties are consistent with what your goals are for your property.

Third, find out how long the project will take. When expectations don’t get met, people start to get upset. Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to the timeline. Talk about timing, potential weather delays and the importance of your contractor communicating with you throughout the entire installation process.

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

A: Composite roofing has many benefits that traditional asphalt roofing lacks. These benefits range from performance-based to aesthetics and everything in-between. Composite roofing often gives a home that luxury look many people are trying to achieve. If want to make a statement in your neighborhood, a composite roofing system will do just that!

In addition, the impact resistance and ability to withstand certain weather events, such as hail, is a very attractive benefit with a composite roof. Half-inch hail can oftentimes severely damage asphalt shingles, whereas with composite tiles a piece of hail that size will most likely not even leave a blemish.

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

A: Have realistic expectations. Oftentimes contractors will promise unrealistic timelines and act as if it’s an easier job than it truly is. I’ve seen this as an issue across the board in our industry. The reality is a roofing project involves thousands of pounds of materials getting removed and then reinstalled from an elevated surface that also has a pitched slope. No one is perfect, and accidents can happen. Ripped screens, scratched windows, damaged siding and dented gutters are all very real possibilities when having a roofing system replaced. Make sure the contractor you choose has insurance, is honest and will do the right thing if any of these damages occur during your replacement.

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

A: It’s always best to have a party that is familiar with insurance claims to help assist you through the claims process. Many roofing companies offer assistance free of charge to help with photo documentation and meeting the insurance adjuster. These qualified contractors also have all the necessary paperwork/processes in place to help you acquire the funds in a timely fashion as well as help with minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Public adjusters are a great resource for consumers as well. Public adjusters can legally offer a lot more assistance than a contractor can. However, they typically charge a fee of around 20-30% of the claim amount.

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

A: DaVinci is a stable at our company for many reasons. The DaVinci system is heavily sought after by customers inquiring about a composite shake or slate product because of its great reputation in the industry. Contractors and property owners alike see it as the gold standard for composite roof products.

Once a contractor understands the installation of a DaVinci system, it’s actually pretty simple and fast. This makes it a quicker turn around time for both us and the consumer. At CR3 American Exteriors, we also have a semi-national footprint servicing 15 states right now, so partnering with a brand like DaVinci allows us access to the product nationwide with the distribution network they have.