Contractor insights: Ryan Lephart, Great Roofing & Restoration

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

The “Contractor Insights” below are some of the smartest, most honest answers you’ll ever get from a roofer.

Straight-forward answers. That’s what you need when researching a new roof. And that’s exactly what Ryan Lephart, vice president of key accounts with Great Roofing and Restoration in Ohio is offering you right here. So, delve in… and take notes!

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

A: Start by asking the roofer what they would put on their own home. Next, ask to be referred to someone they have installed the same products for so you can talk to them. Then finally, ask this question, “What’s something I haven’t asked you that you think is important about the process of roofing my home?”

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

A: Longevity. Aesthetics. Maintenance. First, whether you’re staying in your home a long time or want a nice talking point when selling your home down the road, composite roofing gives you longevity. Second, is the appearance. No asphalt shingle compares to the look of a designer composite like DaVinci. The final one is maintenance, especially if you plan to grow older in your home. The less you have to worry about degradation of the product, the easier it is to maintain a well-functioning roof system.

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

A: Go away on vacation! If it were only that easy for folks, but it’s usually not. So instead, plan ahead and board sensitive pets. And, go ahead and schedule time away from the house on the busiest of days. Roofing is a noisy process. If you work from home or need to be there, try to stay on the lowest level of the house. Try noise cancelling headphones or have a good movie in the background to counterbalance the outside noise.

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

A: Anytime someone has had storm damage the first thing I recommend is to start documenting things IMMEDIATELY. Take pictures and video of the hail on the ground, or the tree branches down, or whatever else may have impacted your home overall. Then focus on any personal property that may have been damaged like outdoor furniture, grills, patio heaters, etc.

Once you’ve got a feel for how bad things are from the ground view, call a contractor who has various available references for insurance work. Make sure they’re properly licensed and insured before they do a full inspection of your home. They will most likely have a drone camera to capture roof damage. Ask for references and make sure they are qualified. A true professional can help you through the entire process alongside the insurance adjuster.

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

A: For the 16 years I've been in the industry, DaVinci Roofscapes has been a manufacturer that has always stood by their products. They have excellent customer AND contractor assistance with questions.

The composite products not only look phenomenal but perform well against the elements. We've seen some DaVinci roofs hit by tennis ball sized hail with the only damage being to the soft metals and skylights. The product speaks for itself in both value and aesthetics when it's the only home in the neighborhood not needing a new roof after the storm!