A wetter than normal spring  in the Midwest has meant lots of work for local roofers. Customers have leaks that are out of control, and that's when the work begins. Whether you need a repair or a replacement, you want to get on a list with a roofing company, but finding a reputable roofing company can be like trying to find a fully inflated football at Gilette Stadium. We put together 10 questions that we thought homeowners should ask a residential roofing contractor before they have a new roof installed on their home.

1. Can the roofing contractor Write A Bid or an estimate for my roof?

Get bids from several companies, but don't take the lowest bid. The lowest bid might be low because the comapny uses poor quality materials or does sub-standard work. It's possilbe that he just has low overhead and is able to do quality work, but you should ask how he is able to deliver the same product at a lower cost.

2. How long has the roofing contractor been in business?

A well established company is bound to be around long after your roof has been installed. If they offer a warranty, you need to feel secure that the company will be around to honor the warranty if a problem arises.

3. Is the roofing company licensed and insured?

In most states, it's illegal for a roofing contractor to operate without a license. You need to know if your state requires a license and ask the contractor for proof. Find out whether the company carries insurance, specifically liability and worker's compensation. Uninsured roofers leave you open to all kinds of risk, from damage to your property or personal injury to those working on your property. ALWAYS find out about licensing and insurance.

4. Can you provide me with references?

Any reputable roofing contractor will be more than happy to provide you with a list of previous customers. Just be aware, that the list is a list of satisfied customers. If you've heard or read a negative review, ask them about it. An honest company will probably be both, aware of the situation, and have a logical explanation that will make you feel confortable in choosing them.

5. What is your Better Business Bureau Rating?

This is where any unhappy customers would file a complaint. Remember that any company that deals with a large volume of customers across the spectrum of the population is going to get a few complaints, what's important is HOW they dealt with those unhappy customers' complaints.

6. Who is my contact person?

How are your roofer's communication skills? You want someone who can discuss your project with you and answer all of your questions. Poor communications can lead to misunderstandings, and may bring some unwelcome surprises when the bill comes.

7. do you offer a guarantee?

Although the materials manufacturer usually includes a warranty on its products, that warranty doesn not cover installation. If a problem arises with the installaion or materials, you need to have a written guarantee from the roofing contractor that he will back up his work, and remedy the problem.

8. are the roofing company Employees trained?

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, you've heard that before? A company is only as good as its employees. What kind of training or skill levels does the company demand of its employees? Does the company provide safety training?

9. Does the roofing company's crew clean up the job site?

You may think you're getting a bargain by choosing a less expensive roofer, but if there are old roofing materials to clean up, you don't want that to be your responsibility. It's just not worth it. Some contractors are very good at cleaning up, and will do so as they go, others may wait until the job is complete before they pick up anything. How do you want your property to look while the project is being completed? One stray nail in the yard could injure you or a family pet. Ask questions before the project starts.

10. Do you offer a Written contract?

ALWAYS GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT! We used to conduct business with the shake of a hand, but these days require that you have everything in writing. Make sure that your contract covers the scope of the project to be completed, the materials to be used and their specifications, the dates that the work will begin and the date when the work is expected to be finished. You should also have an itemized list that shows the cost of all of the materials used and the labor involved.

You may not choose Midwest Roofing Services for your residential roofing job, but we stand behind this list and would encourage you to find a residential roofing contractor that meets all of these criteria. We feel confident that we meet or exceed all of the items on this checklist. We would love to be able to offer you a bid on your residential roofing project. Our home base of operations is centered in the Wichita, Kansas area, but we have crews that respond to storms all over the midwest, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas. When a community has been hard hit, we like to come in bring our brand of expertise and knowledge, along with over 60 years of being a family owned business. We couldn't be in business that long without being a trustworthy, ethical company that prides ourself on our workers and their training.

PRIORITY HAIL DAMAGE SERVICE

Fill out the form and you will automatically be added to our listing for priority roofing service for hail damage, storm damage and tornados. Avoid the risk of more damage from subsequent storms, and move to the front of line, get your name on the list now.

Roof leaks cause damage to your home or business if the underlying cause isn't diagnosed or repaired quickly. Water can drain or drip outward from the spot where the leak occurred, we can pinpoint the exact cause and fix your leak. In our 65 years we have seen and fixed every kind of leak. Some common leaks we fix.

Excess Moisture leaks that we fix

Draining upper roof gutters directly onto a lower roof can lead to the lower section becoming overly saturated, which can cause leaks. Better planning of your entire guttering system and elevate the problem.

Debris leaks that we fix

Buildup of twigs, leaves or pine needles can trap water against the roof allowing water to soak in by capillary action. Itʼs vitally important to keep the roof clear so water can run off quickly. Cutting overhanging tree branches will make it easier to keep your roof clear of problems and potential leaks.

Flashing leaks that we fix and prevent

Metal roof flashing seals roof transitions where large amounts of water pour down or where unwanted absorption can occur. Flashing is placed around likely areas for leaks: where the roof joins a dormer, where a chimney penetrates the roof and around the edges of skylights. Flashing sections can slide or move out of proper alinement if nails are missing and caulk has become dry, cracking over time.

Age leaks that we service

Even the best roofing materials deteriorate over time and become and can cause problems with your residential or commercial roof. Temperature changes and
extreme weather conditions may cause roofing materials to become hard and crack with age and exposure to direct sunlight may melt the tar that seals shingles together.

Ridge Cap leaks that we prevent and fix

The ridge cap covers the gap at the peak of a roof where the two slopes meet. Contractors who use rope and harness systems without protecting the ridge cap with temporary covering can cause holes in the roof material, allowing water from rain to enter.

We are a Wichita Roofing Company specializing in stopping leaks and in leak prevention.

Midwest Roofing Systems is a Wichita roofing company, based in Wichita Kansas with over half a century of experience in leak prevention and repair for commercial roofs or residential roofs. We were locally owned. If you have any questions about your leak or preventing leaks please call us or visit our website.

“Midwest Roofing Services has been a family owned and operated business since President Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House. That's when my father started this Wichita roofing company. But, he did more than that, my father left a legacy that I'm proud to accept. He taught me the value of hard work, respect for every customer and that the job is not finished until the customer is completely satisfied. I have carried that legacy forward and it will always be the foundation of Midwest Roofing Services' Wichita roots. But, advancements in technology have changed the roofing industry, so every year we educate, train and re-train our staff and employees on the most recent technologies, materials, roofing systems, safety procedures and roofing techniques to insure your roof, not only looks great, but exceeds all industry standards for roofing quality.”

"A Higher Standard Of Excellence" is our history and is our future. You have my word on that."

- Darren Ward President and Owner, Midwest Roofing Services, Inc.

A Wichita Roofing Company

Midwest Roofing Systems, Inc. is proud to be a Wichita roofing company, based in Wichita Kansas since 1955. We were locally owned right here in Wichita 60 years ago and we'll be here 60 years from now. We have been a Wichita roofing contractor and will always be a Wichita roofer. If you have any questions about your roof please call us or visit our website.

Damage to your roof can not just occur during a thunderstorm but can also occur during wind storms.  If  you live in areas that are prone to wind storms homeowners often find themselves replacing roofs before their time. Reports show that with continuous high winds, straight line winds, and of course tornadoes can take a toll and break down roofs. The wind damage often starts with one loose shingle that blows off allowing wind to get under the surrounding shingles. Loosening those shingles and leading to more shingles lost in the next wind storm or thunderstorm which could eventually lead to leaks in your roof.  There are several terms that mean the same as straight line winds such as:  Convective wind gusts, outflow, and down bursts.   Straight line wind is wind that comes out of a thunderstorm.  If the winds exceed 58 miles per hour then the storm is classified as a Severe Storm by the National Weather Service. When the National Weather Service does a storm damage survey they distinguish between straight line winds and winds produced by a tornado by debris patterns. It is important to know that straight line wind intensity can be as powerful as tornado and your roof may have incurred damage from the storm like this.  Debris such as limbs from trees or flying debris that occurs during straight line winds can damage your roof.  Often with strong winds these storms can carry heavy rainfall and that can play against the natural flow of water on your roof.  As water blows beneath the shingles the inner of the roof becomes unprotected, making leaks common.  So coupled with wind and just a few lost shingles can suddenly become a waterfall of rain during a storm.  It is so important that homeowners look or have a professional like Midwest Roofing Services take a look at your roof to make sure damage was not incurred to prevent more damage to the home in the next storm.  Midwest Roofing Services has many options for Class 4 rated high impact shingles that  can help withstand high winds and hail. Class 4 shingles can qualify come homeowners for a discount with some insurance carriers.  Let the professionals at Midwest Roofing Services help you make the right decision against the weather in your area to determine what may be the best roof for your home.